Project Detail

Barrens Habitat Restoration for Endangered and Threatened Species

Purpose

This project will restore 1390 acres of globally imperiled barrens habitat (G1, G2) in the Fox River watershed of the Lake Michigan Basin through: tree and brush removal invasive species control prescribed burning site preparation seeding to native grasses and forbs It will provide habitat for the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis), nine other endangered/threatened species, and 44 species of great conservation need. Restoration sites are adjacent to wetlands and streams. Restoration will protect surface and ground water at these locations. Emmons Creek Fisheries Area in Portage & Waupaca Counties (HUC 04030202); Hartman Creek State Park in Waupaca County (HUC 04030202); Greenwood Wildlife Area in Waushara County (HUC 04030202 & 07070003); White River Marsh Wildlife Area in Green Lake County (HUC 04030201).

Objective

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: The project addresses needs and priorities of Focus Area I.D.4 (Restoring Great Lakes Habitats) of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. It will restore globally imperiled upland barrens habitats located in the upper reaches of the Lake Michigan Basin. The improved physical condition of this habitat will sustain and protect species of plants and animals that are unique to the barrens ecosystem, including the endangered, threatened and special concern species. It will also protect watershed quality for the Upper Fox and Wolf River watersheds, as most barrens sites are near or adjacent to streams and wetlands. EPA Strategic Plan: The project addresses needs and priorities of Sub-objective 4.3.3 (Improve the Health of the Great Lakes) of the EPA Strategic Plan. It will establish and maintain native vegetation, and will remove invasive plant species on restored barrens sites, most of which are located near wetlands and streams that feed both ground and surface water into the Lake Michigan Basin. Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy: The project addresses needs and priorities of habitat/species recommendations listed in the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration strategy. The restoration of degraded barrens habitat will sustain abundant populations of native wildlife species including the threatened, endangered, and threatened species.

Outcome

Outcomes: Restoration of degraded pine/oak barrens habitat Increased populations of native barrens fauna that historically occupied pine/oak barrens Protection of water quality Support of local economies Outputs: 1390 acres of pine/oak barrens will be restored to native grasses and forbs. Vegetative composition of restored sites will be documented for future management. Habitat will be provided for numerous threatened, endangered, and special concern barrens wildlife species Approximately five miles of watershed along the White River and Sucker Creek (Green Lake County), and Emmons Creek (Portage County), will be protected by using best management practices for water quality. Karner blue butterfly populations should increase as existing populations expand and move into newly restored sites. Expected Results: Pine/oak barrens restoration will contribute to the protection and preservation of this globally imperiled natural community. Increased populations of the Karner blue butterfly will contribute to the recovery of this federally endangered species within its range in Wisconsin. Populations of other endangered, threatened and special concern species will increase as a result of improved and expanded habitat. Water quality of streams and wetlands will be protected. Local economies will be supported through contracting and the purchase of materials and supplies involved in the restoration process. Measurements: Acres of restored habitat will be mapped and reported as they are completed. Restored acres will be mapped using GPS/GIS technology. Improvements in vegetative composition of restored sites will be documented through a statistically appropriate transect-based sampling method to determine the relative abundance of native grasses and forbs, invasive species, and threats. This information will be used to determine future restoration and maintenance needs for those sites. Karner blue butterfly population levels will be documented using a statistically based transect methodology known as Distance Sampling to calculate population counts for each KBB-occupied site. This information will be shared with the national Karner Blue Butterfly Recovery Team and UWFWS to demonstrate the Wisconsin contribution to KBB recovery.

Project Type

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

Project Sub Type

Habitat

Project ID

GLRI_00E00466-0

Year Started

2010

Status

Active

Reports and Documents

Semi-Annual Grant Report October 2013