Last week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published its final rule in the Federal Register to list the Island Marble Butterfly as an endangered species. For our islands this is a big decision as this beautiful white and green butterfly is found only in the San Juans.
This decision comes nearly two decades after a coalition of conservation groups, including Friends of the San Juans, first petitioned for the butterfly’s listing. So today, we want to celebrate that this species endangered status has finally been recognized by the Federal government.
We want to acknowledge and thank the many partners who are leading local efforts to protect and restore the prairie habitat preferred by the Island Marble Butterfly. Hopefully, this decision will provide more resources to expand this critical habitat.
If you are interested in helping improve habitat for the Island Marble Butterfly, WA State Fish and Wildlife and USFWS are inviting landowners on San Juan and Lopez Islands – especially those with open, grassy landscapes-to help conservation efforts by enrolling in a Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurance (CCAA). Applications are due May 19. Click here for more information.
This is why we do our work with our many partners. We are stronger when we work together, and when we do, we can make change happen.
Protect what you love and for some fun, show us what you love! Friends is seeking submissions of Island Marble Butterfly art from both kids and adults. Please email Katie ([email protected]) your photos, drawings, or sketches by June 1st. We will feature submissions on our website and social media. One winner will be drawn for a free trip to Yellow Island next Spring.
Island Marble Butterfly photo above by Karen Reagan/USFWS.
