The Silverspot Butterfly Recovery Efforts

Location:

Oregon, Washington, and California

What lessons can be drawn?

"More action, less talk. Lead by example," was the primary lesson to be learned from the process according to USFS Forest Coordinator for the Silverspot Butterfly Michael Clady. If the Forest Service biologists had not been committed to their research and management efforts of the silverspot in 1980, it is questionable whether the species would still be present at Rock Creek. Furthermore, such a proactive approach is very empowering for people working on the project in that they were not forced to act, but did so on their own and, thus, now "own" the project. Clady explained, "I've always felt that the only thing that we've got to offer is rolling up our sleeves and really getting involved in the management." He continued, "I think our success has come from the fact that we've been able to show success - provided leadership, and others are willing to come along."

This project also offers an example for expanding limited resources. By cooperating in research and management experimentation, the Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy avoided duplicating efforts. In doing so, they were able to transfer resources that might have been unnecessarily consumed by silverspot research to other important projects. Resources were also expanded when other groups and individuals were able to make use of their research and voluntarily created management plans for areas outside of national forests, further enhancing the recovery of the silverspot butterfly. Oregon State University entomologist Paul Hammond also underscored the importance of working with experts outside the agency. "Developing contacts with the scientific community and with experts is probably your number one requirement," he said, and these outside resources become even more essential in eras of budget cutbacks.

Working with partners through the silverspot butterfly working group since 1980 has helped a lot with data sharing. Michael Clady of the USFS remarked that, "The strong part of our program from its beginning in 1980 is that every year we put out an extensive monitoring report. I think that's probably unprecedented in the Forest Service for well over 20 years." Many of the partners are very focused on monitoring and share their findings regularly. While dealing with the difficulties of managing for this threatened species, the partners in the silverspot butterfly recovery efforts have found support from each other.

This site was developed by the Ecosystem Management Initiative through a partnership with the US Forest Service and the US Department of Interior. Read more.