Karner Blue Butterfly Preservation

Northwestern Wisconsin is home to one of the largest populations of a butterfly that is rare almost everywhere else. About the size of a quarter, the Karner blue butterfly can be found especially in three areas of Burnett county near the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers. The butterflies depend on a flower called the wild lupine, which grows in open sandy areas, for their survival. One particular life stage of the butterfly can only occur on the wild lupine.

Polk-Burnett is one of 28 local partners who are working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to protect this endangered butterfly, which is federally protected under the Endangered Species Act. Other partners in the project are forest products companies, other utilities, governmental entities, and conservation organizations.

More Information About the Karner Blue Butterfly Karner Blue Ecology Karner Blue Biology - Frequently Asked Questions Karner Blue Range in Wisconsin Growing Wild Lupine

The cooperative has committed to help protect the butterfly through a variety of efforts. Polk-Burnett will identify sites where wild lupines occur along the cooperative's powerlines and take special efforts to protect those sites in line clearing activities. In addition, resources are being dedicated to assist in surveying Karner blue populations and other scientific activities to support and maintain the species. A highly detailed habitat management plan and environmental impact statement for the Karner blue's protection has been prepared and is in the process of being implemented.

Polk-Burnett is pleased to be a part of this effort to protect an endangered species in ways that allow people to work cooperatively to achieve common goals.

If you have questions about how to manage your property in ways that protect or establish this butterfly, call the Karner blue hotline toll-free at 877-4KARNER. In addition, you can contact Dave Lentz of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources at 608-261-6451 or Cathy Carnes of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service at 920-465-7415.