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Harbison's Dun Skipper Euphyes vestris

Goal: Protect, enhance, and restore Harbison's dun skipper occupied habitat, historically occupied habitat, and the landscape connections between them to create resilient, self-sustaining populations that provide for persistence over the long-term (>100 years).

regional NFO 2017, 2020 SL
MON-SURV-SPEC EYPHAR-1

Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11

In 2017 and 2020, conduct host plant (San Diego sedge), adult, larval and hibernaculum surveys, and habitat assessments for Harbison's dun skipper that were initiated in 2013 in the MSPA (see Table of Occurrences) to further document the butterfly's current distribution and population size, define habitat requirements, and to assess habitat and threats at survey sites.

Action Statement Action status Projects
SURV-1 Search for Harvison's dun skipper adults, butterfly hiberniculum, larvae and host plants (San Diego sedge) at known occupied habitat, historically occupied habitat and in suitable potential habitat, to determine the extent of the butterfly's range, population sizes, and to better understand habitat relationships. Use a standardized protocol to collect habitat and threats covariate data at each site for developing and prioritizing management actions. In progress
SURV-2 Submit project metadata, datasets, analyses and report with management recommendations to the MSP Web Portal. In progress
Criteria Deadline year
Harbison's Dun Skipper Surveys and Reports Completed in 2018 and 2021 2021
Threat Name Threat Code
Altered fire regimeALTFIR
Altered hydrologyALTHYD
Climate changeCLICHN
Invasive animalsINVANI
Invasive plantsINVPLA
Urban developmentURBDEV
Code Obj. code Statement
EYPHAR-2 MON-RES-GEN In 2017, in conjunction with adult surveys and the marking study for Harbison's dun skipper (see Table of Occurrences), capture adult butterflies and collect non-lethal genetic samples (i.e., legs) to analyze population genetic structure, dispersal and connectivity between populations, and genetic diversity. Use the analytical results to develop management recommendations to improve connectivity and to maintain or enhance genetic diversity at Harbison's dun skipper occurrences.
EYPHAR-3 MON-RES-SPEC In 2017, conduct a marking study of adult Harbison's dun skippers during the flight season to determine connectivity within habitat patches in a watershed. Design the study to obtain information on local movement patterns, flight season phenology, demography, detection probabilities, longevity, individual behavior, nectaring sources, and relationship between maximum counts and local population size. The results of this study should be used to develop specific management recommendations to be incorporated in the Harbison's Dun Skipper Management Plan.
EYPHAR-4 MON-DEV-MODL In 2017, develop habitat suitability models for Harbison's dun skipper, the host plant (San Diego sedge), and oak woodlands under current and future climate change scenarios, and conduct fire risk modeling with different management scenarios to identify potential fire and climate refugia. The results of this modeling will be considered in the development of monitoring and management plans.
EYPHAR-5 MGT-PRP-MGTPL In 2017, prepare a 5 year Harbison's Dun Skipper Management Plan that includes the results from butterfly surveys and habitat assessments, genetic and marking studies, and climate and fire modeling to characterize habitat quality at occupied occurrences and unoccupied suitable habitat important for enhancing connectivity, expanding populations or that could serve as fire and climate refugia. The plan should include an overall management strategy, identification and prioritization of sites where management is needed, and specific management recommendations for each site. It should also include actions to reduce fire risk at prioritized occurrences and specifications for monitoring the effectiveness of implementing high priority management actions.
regional NFO 2017 SL
MON-RES-GEN EYPHAR-2

Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11

In 2017, in conjunction with adult surveys and the marking study for Harbison's dun skipper (see Table of Occurrences), capture adult butterflies and collect non-lethal genetic samples (i.e., legs) to analyze population genetic structure, dispersal and connectivity between populations, and genetic diversity. Use the analytical results to develop management recommendations to improve connectivity and to maintain or enhance genetic diversity at Harbison's dun skipper occurrences.

Action Statement Action status Projects
RES-1 Use genomic sequencing techniques (e.g., RAD-Seq) to analyze large amounts of Harbison's dun skipper DNA sequences to estimate gene flow, effective population size, and genetic diversity of butterfly occurrences to inform management actions. In progress
RES-2 Evaluate Harbison's dun skipper movement patterns at multiple scales by considering the results of genetic data analyses at a larger scale between drainages and across the MSPA, in contrast with results from the marking study characterizing intra-habitat, local scale movements within a drainage. Use these results to develop and prioritize management recommendations to include in the Harbison's Dun Skipper Management Plan. In progress
RES-3 Submit project metadata, datasets, analyses and report with management recommendations to the MSP Web Portal. In progress
Criteria Deadline year
Harbison's Dun Skipper Genetic Study and Report Completed in 2017 2021
Threat Name Threat Code
Loss of connectivityLOSCON
Code Obj. code Statement
EYPHAR-1 MON-SURV-SPEC In 2017 and 2020, conduct host plant (San Diego sedge), adult, larval and hibernaculum surveys, and habitat assessments for Harbison's dun skipper that were initiated in 2013 in the MSPA (see Table of Occurrences) to further document the butterfly's current distribution and population size, define habitat requirements, and to assess habitat and threats at survey sites.
EYPHAR-3 MON-RES-SPEC In 2017, conduct a marking study of adult Harbison's dun skippers during the flight season to determine connectivity within habitat patches in a watershed. Design the study to obtain information on local movement patterns, flight season phenology, demography, detection probabilities, longevity, individual behavior, nectaring sources, and relationship between maximum counts and local population size. The results of this study should be used to develop specific management recommendations to be incorporated in the Harbison's Dun Skipper Management Plan.
EYPHAR-4 MON-DEV-MODL In 2017, develop habitat suitability models for Harbison's dun skipper, the host plant (San Diego sedge), and oak woodlands under current and future climate change scenarios, and conduct fire risk modeling with different management scenarios to identify potential fire and climate refugia. The results of this modeling will be considered in the development of monitoring and management plans.
EYPHAR-5 MGT-PRP-MGTPL In 2017, prepare a 5 year Harbison's Dun Skipper Management Plan that includes the results from butterfly surveys and habitat assessments, genetic and marking studies, and climate and fire modeling to characterize habitat quality at occupied occurrences and unoccupied suitable habitat important for enhancing connectivity, expanding populations or that could serve as fire and climate refugia. The plan should include an overall management strategy, identification and prioritization of sites where management is needed, and specific management recommendations for each site. It should also include actions to reduce fire risk at prioritized occurrences and specifications for monitoring the effectiveness of implementing high priority management actions.
EYPHAR-9 MON-IMP-FMGT For at least the first 3 years following a wildfire, monitor recovery of Harbison's dun skipper occurrences and habitat affected by fire. Use a standardized postfire protocol to document the butterfly's distribution and abundance over time and to characterize habitat recovery and threats following a wildfire. Postfire monitoring should encompass occupied dun skipper sites and unoccupied sites that are important for enhancing connectivity or for future population expansion. The postfire monitoring should identify and prioritize management actions to assist in recovery of Harbison's dun skipper populations and important habitat patches.
EYPHAR-10 MGT-IMP-FMGT For at least the first 3 years following a fire, implement management actions identified by postfire monitoring as necessary to protect and recover Harbison's dun skipper occurrences and habitat impacted by wildfire.
regional NFO 2017 SL
MON-RES-SPEC EYPHAR-3

Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11

In 2017, conduct a marking study of adult Harbison's dun skippers during the flight season to determine connectivity within habitat patches in a watershed. Design the study to obtain information on local movement patterns, flight season phenology, demography, detection probabilities, longevity, individual behavior, nectaring sources, and relationship between maximum counts and local population size. The results of this study should be used to develop specific management recommendations to be incorporated in the Harbison's Dun Skipper Management Plan.

Action Statement Action status Projects
RES-1 Include within the study a site that supports a large, relatively stable population as determined from previous surveys. Capture and mark individuals at the selected site and then revisit and survey 2-3 times per week during the flight season to search for marked individuals and to capture and mark previously unmarked individuals. Locations of all individuals when captured for marking and at all subsequent resightings will be recorded. In progress
RES-2 The marking study complements the genetics study by providing genetic samples from individuals captured for marking. Both studies are important at evaluating Harbison's dun skipper movement patterns at multiple scales. The results of genetic analyses represent a larger scale between drainages and across the MSPA, in contrast with results from the marking study that characterize intra-habitat, local scale movements within a drainage. These results should be used in developing and prioritizing management actions in the butterfly's 2018 management plan. In progress
RES-3 Submit project metadata, marking study datasets, analyses and report to the MSP Web Portal. In progress
Criteria Deadline year
Harbison's Dun Skipper Marking Study and Report Completed in 2017 2021
Threat Name Threat Code
Loss of connectivityLOSCON
Code Obj. code Statement
EYPHAR-1 MON-SURV-SPEC In 2017 and 2020, conduct host plant (San Diego sedge), adult, larval and hibernaculum surveys, and habitat assessments for Harbison's dun skipper that were initiated in 2013 in the MSPA (see Table of Occurrences) to further document the butterfly's current distribution and population size, define habitat requirements, and to assess habitat and threats at survey sites.
EYPHAR-2 MON-RES-GEN In 2017, in conjunction with adult surveys and the marking study for Harbison's dun skipper (see Table of Occurrences), capture adult butterflies and collect non-lethal genetic samples (i.e., legs) to analyze population genetic structure, dispersal and connectivity between populations, and genetic diversity. Use the analytical results to develop management recommendations to improve connectivity and to maintain or enhance genetic diversity at Harbison's dun skipper occurrences.
EYPHAR-4 MON-DEV-MODL In 2017, develop habitat suitability models for Harbison's dun skipper, the host plant (San Diego sedge), and oak woodlands under current and future climate change scenarios, and conduct fire risk modeling with different management scenarios to identify potential fire and climate refugia. The results of this modeling will be considered in the development of monitoring and management plans.
EYPHAR-5 MGT-PRP-MGTPL In 2017, prepare a 5 year Harbison's Dun Skipper Management Plan that includes the results from butterfly surveys and habitat assessments, genetic and marking studies, and climate and fire modeling to characterize habitat quality at occupied occurrences and unoccupied suitable habitat important for enhancing connectivity, expanding populations or that could serve as fire and climate refugia. The plan should include an overall management strategy, identification and prioritization of sites where management is needed, and specific management recommendations for each site. It should also include actions to reduce fire risk at prioritized occurrences and specifications for monitoring the effectiveness of implementing high priority management actions.
EYPHAR-9 MON-IMP-FMGT For at least the first 3 years following a wildfire, monitor recovery of Harbison's dun skipper occurrences and habitat affected by fire. Use a standardized postfire protocol to document the butterfly's distribution and abundance over time and to characterize habitat recovery and threats following a wildfire. Postfire monitoring should encompass occupied dun skipper sites and unoccupied sites that are important for enhancing connectivity or for future population expansion. The postfire monitoring should identify and prioritize management actions to assist in recovery of Harbison's dun skipper populations and important habitat patches.
EYPHAR-10 MGT-IMP-FMGT For at least the first 3 years following a fire, implement management actions identified by postfire monitoring as necessary to protect and recover Harbison's dun skipper occurrences and habitat impacted by wildfire.
regional PRE 2017 SL
MON-DEV-MODL EYPHAR-4

Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11

In 2017, develop habitat suitability models for Harbison's dun skipper, the host plant (San Diego sedge), and oak woodlands under current and future climate change scenarios, and conduct fire risk modeling with different management scenarios to identify potential fire and climate refugia. The results of this modeling will be considered in the development of monitoring and management plans.

Action Statement Action status Projects
DEV-1 Submit project metadata, modeling datasets, results and report to the MSP Web Portal. In progress
Criteria Deadline year
Harbison's Dun Skipper Current and Future Climate Habitat Models and Report Completed in 2017 2021
Threat Name Threat Code
Altered fire regimeALTFIR
Climate changeCLICHN
Invasive animalsINVANI
Invasive plantsINVPLA
Urban developmentURBDEV
Code Obj. code Statement
EYPHAR-5 MGT-PRP-MGTPL In 2017, prepare a 5 year Harbison's Dun Skipper Management Plan that includes the results from butterfly surveys and habitat assessments, genetic and marking studies, and climate and fire modeling to characterize habitat quality at occupied occurrences and unoccupied suitable habitat important for enhancing connectivity, expanding populations or that could serve as fire and climate refugia. The plan should include an overall management strategy, identification and prioritization of sites where management is needed, and specific management recommendations for each site. It should also include actions to reduce fire risk at prioritized occurrences and specifications for monitoring the effectiveness of implementing high priority management actions.
EYPHAR-8 MGT-IMP-IGNPL Beginning in 2019, implement high priority MSP 2018 Wildfire Ignition Reduction Plan measures developed for Harbison's Dun Skipper to reduce the probability of ignition at most at-risk occurrences.
regional PRE 2017 SL
MGT-PRP-MGTPL EYPHAR-5

Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11

In 2017, prepare a 5 year Harbison's Dun Skipper Management Plan that includes the results from butterfly surveys and habitat assessments, genetic and marking studies, and climate and fire modeling to characterize habitat quality at occupied occurrences and unoccupied suitable habitat important for enhancing connectivity, expanding populations or that could serve as fire and climate refugia. The plan should include an overall management strategy, identification and prioritization of sites where management is needed, and specific management recommendations for each site. It should also include actions to reduce fire risk at prioritized occurrences and specifications for monitoring the effectiveness of implementing high priority management actions.

Action Statement Action status Projects
PRP-1 Work with the Butterfly Working Group consisting of species experts, scientists, wildlife agencies, land managers and other stakeholders to develop prioritized management actions. In progress
PRP-2 Submit project metadata and Harbison's Dun Skipper Management Plant to the MSP Web Portal. In progress
Criteria Deadline year
Harbison's Dun Skipper Management Plan Completed in 2017 2021
Threat Name Threat Code
Altered fire regimeALTFIR
Altered hydrologyALTHYD
Climate changeCLICHN
Invasive animalsINVANI
Invasive plantsINVPLA
Urban developmentURBDEV
Code Obj. code Statement
EYPHAR-1 MON-SURV-SPEC In 2017 and 2020, conduct host plant (San Diego sedge), adult, larval and hibernaculum surveys, and habitat assessments for Harbison's dun skipper that were initiated in 2013 in the MSPA (see Table of Occurrences) to further document the butterfly's current distribution and population size, define habitat requirements, and to assess habitat and threats at survey sites.
EYPHAR-2 MON-RES-GEN In 2017, in conjunction with adult surveys and the marking study for Harbison's dun skipper (see Table of Occurrences), capture adult butterflies and collect non-lethal genetic samples (i.e., legs) to analyze population genetic structure, dispersal and connectivity between populations, and genetic diversity. Use the analytical results to develop management recommendations to improve connectivity and to maintain or enhance genetic diversity at Harbison's dun skipper occurrences.
EYPHAR-3 MON-RES-SPEC In 2017, conduct a marking study of adult Harbison's dun skippers during the flight season to determine connectivity within habitat patches in a watershed. Design the study to obtain information on local movement patterns, flight season phenology, demography, detection probabilities, longevity, individual behavior, nectaring sources, and relationship between maximum counts and local population size. The results of this study should be used to develop specific management recommendations to be incorporated in the Harbison's Dun Skipper Management Plan.
EYPHAR-4 MON-DEV-MODL In 2017, develop habitat suitability models for Harbison's dun skipper, the host plant (San Diego sedge), and oak woodlands under current and future climate change scenarios, and conduct fire risk modeling with different management scenarios to identify potential fire and climate refugia. The results of this modeling will be considered in the development of monitoring and management plans.
EYPHAR-5 MGT-PRP-MGTPL In 2017, prepare a 5 year Harbison's Dun Skipper Management Plan that includes the results from butterfly surveys and habitat assessments, genetic and marking studies, and climate and fire modeling to characterize habitat quality at occupied occurrences and unoccupied suitable habitat important for enhancing connectivity, expanding populations or that could serve as fire and climate refugia. The plan should include an overall management strategy, identification and prioritization of sites where management is needed, and specific management recommendations for each site. It should also include actions to reduce fire risk at prioritized occurrences and specifications for monitoring the effectiveness of implementing high priority management actions.
EYPHAR-6 MGT-IMP-MGTPL Beginning in 2018, implement highest priority management actions identified in the Harbison's Dun Skipper Management Plan.
EYPHAR-7 MON-IMP-MGTPL Beginning in 2018, monitor effectiveness of implementation of highest priority management actions identified in the Harbison's Dun Skipper Management Plan.
EYPHAR-8 MGT-IMP-IGNPL Beginning in 2019, implement high priority MSP 2018 Wildfire Ignition Reduction Plan measures developed for Harbison's Dun Skipper to reduce the probability of ignition at most at-risk occurrences.
EYPHAR-9 MON-IMP-FMGT For at least the first 3 years following a wildfire, monitor recovery of Harbison's dun skipper occurrences and habitat affected by fire. Use a standardized postfire protocol to document the butterfly's distribution and abundance over time and to characterize habitat recovery and threats following a wildfire. Postfire monitoring should encompass occupied dun skipper sites and unoccupied sites that are important for enhancing connectivity or for future population expansion. The postfire monitoring should identify and prioritize management actions to assist in recovery of Harbison's dun skipper populations and important habitat patches.
EYPHAR-10 MGT-IMP-FMGT For at least the first 3 years following a fire, implement management actions identified by postfire monitoring as necessary to protect and recover Harbison's dun skipper occurrences and habitat impacted by wildfire.
regional POST 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 SL
MON-IMP-FMGT EYPHAR-9

Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11

For at least the first 3 years following a wildfire, monitor recovery of Harbison's dun skipper occurrences and habitat affected by fire. Use a standardized postfire protocol to document the butterfly's distribution and abundance over time and to characterize habitat recovery and threats following a wildfire. Postfire monitoring should encompass occupied dun skipper sites and unoccupied sites that are important for enhancing connectivity or for future population expansion. The postfire monitoring should identify and prioritize management actions to assist in recovery of Harbison's dun skipper populations and important habitat patches.

Action Statement Action status Projects
IMP-1 Prepare and implement a postfire habitat monitoring protocol and sampling design to determine the status of Harbison's dun skipper occurrences and characterize oak woodland and host plant (San Diego sedge) recovery following wildfire. Use the monitoring results to identify management actions to ensure postfire recovery of high quality habitat as identified in the Harbison's Dun Skipper Management Plan. On hold
IMP-2 Submit project metadata, Harbison's dun skipper postfire survey and habitat monitoring data, annual reports with management recommendations, and a final report documenting project methods and results to the MSP Web Portal. On hold
Criteria Deadline year
At Least 3 Years of Postfire Monitoring of Harbison's Dun Skipper and Habitats with Annual Management Recommendations 2021
Threat Name Threat Code
Altered fire regimeALTFIR
Code Obj. code Statement
EYPHAR-1 MON-SURV-SPEC In 2017 and 2020, conduct host plant (San Diego sedge), adult, larval and hibernaculum surveys, and habitat assessments for Harbison's dun skipper that were initiated in 2013 in the MSPA (see Table of Occurrences) to further document the butterfly's current distribution and population size, define habitat requirements, and to assess habitat and threats at survey sites.
EYPHAR-2 MON-RES-GEN In 2017, in conjunction with adult surveys and the marking study for Harbison's dun skipper (see Table of Occurrences), capture adult butterflies and collect non-lethal genetic samples (i.e., legs) to analyze population genetic structure, dispersal and connectivity between populations, and genetic diversity. Use the analytical results to develop management recommendations to improve connectivity and to maintain or enhance genetic diversity at Harbison's dun skipper occurrences.
EYPHAR-3 MON-RES-SPEC In 2017, conduct a marking study of adult Harbison's dun skippers during the flight season to determine connectivity within habitat patches in a watershed. Design the study to obtain information on local movement patterns, flight season phenology, demography, detection probabilities, longevity, individual behavior, nectaring sources, and relationship between maximum counts and local population size. The results of this study should be used to develop specific management recommendations to be incorporated in the Harbison's Dun Skipper Management Plan.
EYPHAR-5 MGT-PRP-MGTPL In 2017, prepare a 5 year Harbison's Dun Skipper Management Plan that includes the results from butterfly surveys and habitat assessments, genetic and marking studies, and climate and fire modeling to characterize habitat quality at occupied occurrences and unoccupied suitable habitat important for enhancing connectivity, expanding populations or that could serve as fire and climate refugia. The plan should include an overall management strategy, identification and prioritization of sites where management is needed, and specific management recommendations for each site. It should also include actions to reduce fire risk at prioritized occurrences and specifications for monitoring the effectiveness of implementing high priority management actions.
regional POST 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 SL
MGT-IMP-FMGT EYPHAR-10

Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11

For at least the first 3 years following a fire, implement management actions identified by postfire monitoring as necessary to protect and recover Harbison's dun skipper occurrences and habitat impacted by wildfire.

Action Statement Action status Projects
IMP-1 Implement management actions to restore oak woodland and host plant habitat destroyed by wildfire. These management actions may include planting oaks, host plants, and native nectaring plants. Control invasive plants to to =20% absolute cover to reduce postfire invasion of nonnative plants and to allow postfire recovery of native plants by reducing competition for water and light. Manage erosion and human use impacts while habitat is recoverying. On hold
IMP-2 Submit project metadata and management actions to the MSP Web Portal. On hold
Criteria Deadline year
At Least 3 Years of Postfire Management in Harbison's Dun Skipper Habitats 2021
Threat Name Threat Code
Altered fire regimeALTFIR
Invasive plantsINVPLA
Code Obj. code Statement
EYPHAR-2 MON-RES-GEN In 2017, in conjunction with adult surveys and the marking study for Harbison's dun skipper (see Table of Occurrences), capture adult butterflies and collect non-lethal genetic samples (i.e., legs) to analyze population genetic structure, dispersal and connectivity between populations, and genetic diversity. Use the analytical results to develop management recommendations to improve connectivity and to maintain or enhance genetic diversity at Harbison's dun skipper occurrences.
EYPHAR-3 MON-RES-SPEC In 2017, conduct a marking study of adult Harbison's dun skippers during the flight season to determine connectivity within habitat patches in a watershed. Design the study to obtain information on local movement patterns, flight season phenology, demography, detection probabilities, longevity, individual behavior, nectaring sources, and relationship between maximum counts and local population size. The results of this study should be used to develop specific management recommendations to be incorporated in the Harbison's Dun Skipper Management Plan.
EYPHAR-5 MGT-PRP-MGTPL In 2017, prepare a 5 year Harbison's Dun Skipper Management Plan that includes the results from butterfly surveys and habitat assessments, genetic and marking studies, and climate and fire modeling to characterize habitat quality at occupied occurrences and unoccupied suitable habitat important for enhancing connectivity, expanding populations or that could serve as fire and climate refugia. The plan should include an overall management strategy, identification and prioritization of sites where management is needed, and specific management recommendations for each site. It should also include actions to reduce fire risk at prioritized occurrences and specifications for monitoring the effectiveness of implementing high priority management actions.
EYPHAR-9 MON-IMP-FMGT For at least the first 3 years following a wildfire, monitor recovery of Harbison's dun skipper occurrences and habitat affected by fire. Use a standardized postfire protocol to document the butterfly's distribution and abundance over time and to characterize habitat recovery and threats following a wildfire. Postfire monitoring should encompass occupied dun skipper sites and unoccupied sites that are important for enhancing connectivity or for future population expansion. The postfire monitoring should identify and prioritize management actions to assist in recovery of Harbison's dun skipper populations and important habitat patches.