OR-WA BLM CCSP WEW Fender's Blue Butterfly Research and Habitat Project

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The Willamette Valley prairies are one of the most endangered habitats in the U.S (Noss et al. 1995). With less than half a percent of habitat remaining, and little of that in pristine condition, restoration of this native habitat is essential if this ecotype and the species that depend on it are going to survive. Two species severely limited by degradation of Willamette Valley prairies are the Fenders blue butterfly (Plebejus icarioides fenderi, Federally Endangered) and its primary larval host plant, Kincaids lupine (Lupinus oreganus Federally Threatened). These species were protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 2000 with specific recommendations for recovery included in the Recovery Plan for prairie species in western Oregon and southwest Washington (U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2000, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2010). Habitat for both of these species is scarce and remaining habitat highly degraded. This project is to monitor, conduct research and analysis, and evaluate treatment effects to occupied habitats with two federally listed species, Fenders blue butterfly and its host plant Kincaids lupine.

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