Reps. Sabo and VanSingel offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 315.

            A resolution to support habitat protection and conservation plans for the Karner blue butterfly.

            Whereas, The Karner blue butterfly is a small, blue butterfly found in southern counties in the Lower Peninsula and only in small populations in five other states. The caterpillars of the Karner blue butterfly feed only on blue lupine leaves and flowers. Adult Karner blue butterflies feed on the nectar of several flowers, including the blue lupine; and

            Whereas, The Karner blue butterfly is listed as an endangered species by the federal government and as threatened in Michigan. The oak savannas and pine barren ecosystems necessary for the survival of the Karner blue butterfly, lupine, and other unique plant and animal species have become one of the rarest habitats in the world. These habitats are declining in Michigan due to fire suppression and property development. Without fire, these open areas become cluttered with trees and shrubs that prevent the lupine and other necessary plants from growing; and

            Whereas, Prescribed fire and other habitat management efforts are needed to maintain Karner blue butterfly habitat. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has received approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for its habitat conservation plan for the Karner blue butterfly. The plan encourages land managers in Michigan to manage their lands to sustain populations of Karner blue butterflies; and

Whereas, Restoring oak savannas and pine barrens in Michigan will result not only in the recovery of Karner blue butterflies, but will also stabilize and enhance populations of other plants and animals that are beneficial to humans as sources of food or medicine; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we support habitat protection and conservation plans for the Karner blue butterfly, a unique and important part of Michigan's ecosystem.