Karner Blue Butterfly Habitat Conservation Plan
WRPCO participates in Wisconsin's Karner Blue Butterfly Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). The plan, established in 1999, encourages creative partnerships between public and private sectors and government agencies in the interest of species and habitat conservation.
The Karner blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis), was federally listed as an endangered species in 1992. Although the species is federally endangered and is rare nationwide, it is relatively common in central Wisconsin, especially in sandy soils where Pine Barrens, oak savannas, and mowed corridors support wild lupine, the only food of the Karner blue caterpillar. Much of the company's land holdings are located within the insect's High Potential Range (the area most likely to support the species).
Wisconsin's statewide HCP, the only statewide HCP in the nation, provides incidental take permit coverage to all HCP participants. By participating in the HCP, the company commits to survey lands where ground disturbing activity will take place within the butterfly's range. If they are found, land management activities are adjusted to eliminate or reduce impacts to the endangered insect.
For more information regarding KBB management in Wisconsin visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Website at http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/.