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The endangered Karner blue butterfly ( Lycaeides melissa samuelis ), a federally endangered species, has a high regard for the open sunny areas and sandy soils found on Alliant Energy rights-of-way throughout central Wisconsin. That's because those conditions encourage the growth of wild lupine, the sole food source for the Karner blue larvae. And considering that an adult butterfly is about the size of a postage stamp, they can't fly far to find new homes. As a partner in the Habitat Conservation Plan for the Karner blue, Alliant Energy is actively restoring and preserving a suitable habitat for the butterfly on the land we manage. The plan, established in 1999, encourages creative partnerships between public and private sectors, and among government agencies in the interest of species and habitat conservation. |
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The agreement allows Wisconsin land owners like Alliant Energy to “continue operating in and around Karner blue habitat, provided they modify their activities to minimize incidental take (such as death, harm or harassment) of Karner blues.” |
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Alliant Energy employees use global positioning equipment to map butterfly populations, and volunteers help identify sensitive areas. Training sessions prepare field crews to protect butterfly habitat by minimizing activities that might have an adverse impact. In areas where wild lupine is established, we mow our right-of-way only during the Karner's non-flight season and apply only approved herbicides while maintaining a buffer zone to further reduce the risk of harming habitat. We've also planted wild lupine on land preserved at our Riverland Conservancy land trust. This seed bank could provide plant stock to help restore damaged areas or enhance existing habitat. |
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Learn more:Visit these informative sites to learn more about the Karner blue butterfly: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |
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