How To Save Me
PROTECTION EFFORTS
JOIN THE POINT REYES CAMPAIGNS
The recovery plan for the Myrtle’s Silverspot Butterfly was written in 1995 has now lost some steam. It promised to record the yearly population, identify and establish native vegetation management, reintroduce populations of the butterfly to prioritized areas, control illegal collecting, identify critical recovery needs or actions, survey historic and unsurveyed locations, and monitor existing populations (National Park Service 2015). The Myrtle's silverspot recovery plan itself states that while the short term future of this butterfly is relatively safe,
"Long-term persistence of Myrtle’s silverspot butterfly, however, is not guaranteed because of the cumulative impacts of grazing, invasive alien plant species, and urbanization” (Launer, 1992).
Over the years, the Point Reyes National Seashore (PRNS) has been very involved in protecting the Myrtles Silverspot. In January 2017, PRNS published a Coastal Dune Environmental Assessment, which contained plans to spray invasives with herbicides during flight season, track the number of butterflies left in late summer through fall, and reconsider ranch management. As well as this, conservation laws were enacted. If you feel that you want to help Point Reyes in protecting this endangered species, you can help in restoration days, donate your money to the national seashore, and dedicate your vote to preserve our national parks.
DONATE YOUR TIME
PRSNS has its own restoration workdays and works with local nonprofits, such as the Marin Chapter California Native Plant Society that are dedicated to restoring and protecting species. At the restoration days, you can help remove invasives, track plant removal, and increase your knowledge about the seashore. These restoration days not only benefit Myrtle’s silverspot but the whole ecosystem as well. If you live in by the seashore, you can help by planting more western dog violets, gum plant (Grindelia rubicaulis), bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare), and more native plants. Lastly, spread the word and educate your family and friends about the harmful effects of cattle ranching and the endangerment of Myrtle’s silverspot butterfly.
DONATE YOUR MONEY
According to U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s recovery plan, to delist Myrtle’s silverspot it will take approximately $901,000. This means supporting the Point Reyes National Seashore, which is working hard to protect these species, is one of the biggest things you can do. You can support the Point Reyes National Seashore Association by donating to it directly, or donating to organizations like the North American Butterfly Association (NABA) whose mission is to increase public enjoyment and conservation of butterflies can also help the restoration of this species. All Non-Profit donations are tax-deductible!
Photo By NPS 2017
DONATE YOUR VOTE
What to do with the Point Reyes National Seashore land has been a battle between ranchers and environmentalists for years. However, on July 12, 2017, a settlement was reached. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, the Park Service will decide future uses of the public lands by amending the National Seashore’s General Management plant within four years. As well as this, the Trump administration has recently weakened the Endangered Species Act, making it harder to protect species that are now becoming threatened due to climate change (Lambert 2019). Now as a voter, you can be aware and vote no on any measures and laws that give public lands to cattle ranchers or are a harm to endangered species.
