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Training, surveys and resources

Karner blue butterfly

Karner blue butterfly

Resources for HCP partners

Annual report

The Karner HCP Annual Reporting form is now available for HCP Partners. The annual report is due before March 1, 2026, for 2025 activities. Partner Agreements require that those who receive coverage under the Federal Incidental Take Permit for KBB submit a report detailing the activities (e.g., management, ground disturbance work, timber sales, prescribed burns, mowing, surveys, land transfers, outreach/education) that they engaged in for the year.

HCP guide and protocols

The Karner Blue Butterfly Habitat Conservation Plan User Guide is the single source of implementation guidelines and protocols for conserving habitat for the Karner Blue butterfly, a federally listed endangered species in Wisconsin. The user's guide contains the management guidelines and protocols as well as the monitoring protocols used by plan partners when conducting activities in the high potential range of Karner Blue in Wisconsin.

Download the complete HCP User Guide [PDF].

Guidelines

Management protocols

HCP User's guide flowchart

Habitat Conservation Plan documents

Apply for coverage

Application for consideration for inclusion in the Wisconsin statewide Karner blue butterfly HCP
If you have trouble opening, saving or submitting fillable PDF forms in your web browser, see PDF help.

One-time permits with a permanent take of habitat will require the completion of a Habitat Replacement Plan Template for Major Construction Projects that can be completed either concurrently with or after the partnership process.

Resources for HCP partners and non-partners

Emergence predictions

The 2026 Karner blue butterfly (KBB) flight emergence predictions are below. These dates represent the average day of 1st observation and standard deviation. This page will be updated as Karners are observed throughout the 2026 season.

KBB peak flight is approximately 2 weeks after emergence.

Three surveys are required to show KBB absence. The first survey may be done during the first KBB flight period. If KBB is observed on the first or second survey, you do not need to complete subsequent surveys. Both second and third surveys must be done during the second KBB flight period, with a 3-7 day interval between surveys.

Training is required to conduct lupine and KBB surveys with renewal training at least every 5 years. Refer to the Karner Blue Butterfly and Wild Lupine Survey Training Request tab below if you need training.

2026 Karner Blue Butterfly (KBB) First Flight Emergence Predictions

Location2026 First Flight EmergenceStandard Deviation (+/- days)
Berlin5/28/202611
Eau Claire5/30/20267
Friendship5/31/20264
Grantsburg5/31/20267
Hancock5/29/20269
Mather5/28/20269
Neillsville5/29/20268
Sparta5/27/20268
Stevens Point6/3/20267
Waupaca5/31/20269

2026 Karner Blue Butterfly (KBB) Second Flight Emergence Predictions

Location2026 Second Flight EmergenceStandard Deviation (+/- days)
Berlin7/11/20269
Eau Claire7/13/20265
Friendship7/10/20264
Grantsburg7/11/20266
Hancock7/8/20266
Mather7/11/20267
Neillsville7/15/20267
Sparta7/7/20268
Stevens Point7/12/20265
Waupaca7/9/20267

Karner Blue Butterfly and Wild Lupine Survey Training Request

To conduct Karner blue butterfly and wild lupine surveys in Wisconsin, surveyors are required to take the online training initially and then remain up to date by retaking the training at least every five years. This training requires watching the provided videos and passing a quiz.

To receive the Wisconsin Karner blue butterfly and wild lupine survey online training materials, please email the Karner HCP coordinator.

Survey forms

Reporting of Incidental Take Permit Use [exit DNR]
Lupine Presence/Absence  [Download PDF]
Karner Presence/Absence  [Download PDF]
Habitat Assessment Form  [Download PDF]

Common nectar plants

Common nectar plants of the Karner blue butterfly