Presenters/Co-Authors:

Katherine Ineson, PhD., Fish & Wildlife Biologist, Regional Military Lands Partnership Coordinator, US Fish & Wildlife Service – North Atlantic, Appalachian Region: katherine_ineson@fws.gov

Anthony Tur, Fish & Wildlife Biologist, US Fish & Wildlife Service: Anthony_Tur@fws.gov

Abstract

In the northeastern United States, the USFWS is partnering with DoD to survey and conserve rare, declining, or at-risk pollinator species. Some of these species are so rare that their current status and distribution is unclear. Within the North Atlantic – Appalachian Region, the Science Applications program provides leadership for conserving at-risk species and implementing the USFWS’s responsibilities under the Sikes Act. We are working closely with DoD in our region and beyond to collect data for assessing the status of several butterfly species, develop conservation strategies, and implement measures that will improve their condition. We will provide an overview of our on-going and planned work with the military to address species such as Frosted Elfin (Callophrys irus), Eastern Arogos Skipper (Atrytone arogos arogos), Karner Blue Butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis), and Regal Fritillary (Speyeria idalia idalia).