Habitat Conservation Plan 3-Year Review

The Wisconsin Karner Blue Butterfly Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), approved in September 1999, guides the management and monitoring of Karner blue-occupied land in Wisconsin. The HCP is based on a legal agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Wisconsin DNR, and an array of public and private land managers. The agreement allows land managers to continue land management in and around Karner blue habitat, provided they modify their activities to minimize incidental take (death, harm, harassment, or collection) of Karner blues.

The HCP lets most small landowners participate in Karner blue conservation voluntarily, free from regulation. As part of their commitment to the plan, HCP Partners have pledged to encourage voluntary Karner blue conservation efforts among these small landowners.

We are pleased to report that Wisconsin citizens have responded to the call to protect the Karner blue. Free from regulatory burdens, small private landowners have begun to embrace conservation willingly, and public attitudes toward endangered species management have become more positive. Good-will collaboration has established an uncommon trust between federal, state and local governments and citizens, enabling meaningful and widespread protection of Karner blue populations.

The 3-Year Participation Strategy Review Report highlights a few of the voluntary conservation success stories that illustrate the spirit of HCP and its voluntary participation strategy. We feel these stories showcase the intangible benefits of cooperation and flexibility that make the HCP work not only for Partners, but for the entire state.

A printable version of the 3-Year Participation Strategy Review Report [PDF, 1283 KB] is available for download.