Ecological fragmentation combined with complex landownership and land use patterns have created a difficult landscape for developing and implementing conservation strategies in the West Gary Recovery Unit. Conservation activities must involve public land management agencies, conservation organizations and private landowners. The ability to integrate the ecological needs of the butterfly with the current range of land uses and management practices is critical to success. This Safe Harbor Agreement affords the opportunity for the Service and TNC to develop site specific restoration and management plans individual landowners in the West Garry Recovery Unit.

The Safe Harbor program encourages non-Federal landowners to undertake voluntary management activities to benefit species covered under the Endangered Species Act. Safe Harbor Agreements encourage non-Federal landowners to manage their properties for the benefit of listed species by providing assurances that voluntary conservation actions will not further restrict uses of their property, even if covered species become more numerous as a result of the property owner's management activities. Management actions under Safe Harbor Agreements must be designed to achieve a net conservation benefit to the covered species.