We are now in the final stretch of the public comment period on the proposed listing of the monarch butterfly under the Endangered Species Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is accepting public input through May 19, 2025, which means there’s still time to submit your comments—but the window is closing fast.
This is a vital opportunity for farmers, ranchers, and landowners to share their experience and on-the-ground knowledge to help inform any final rule regarding the monarch’s listing. If you have insights about monarch habitat, land management practices, or how conservation policies might impact working lands, your input can help guide a balanced, effective decision.
Why It Matters:
Farmers play a pivotal role in monarch conservation. The proposed 4(d) rule included in the proposed listing is designed to provide flexibility, encouraging voluntary conservation practices that benefit monarchs without imposing undue restrictions on agricultural operations. This approach acknowledges the critical contributions of farmers in maintaining habitats essential for the survival of this iconic species. However, USFWS needs to hear from farmers and ranchers about the details of the proposed 4(d) rule, and so your voice is needed.
How to Comment:
- Follow this link: https://www.regulations.gov/document/FWS-R3-ES-2024-0137-68244
- Click the “Comment” button
The deadline to submit your comment is May 19, 2025.
If you haven’t already, we encourage you to read our previous resources about the Endangered Species Act, the proposed listing of the monarch, and the reopening of the comment period, for more background. These resources are available through the ESA Listing Decision Toolkit on the Farmers for Monarchs website. There you will find blog posts, audio articles, a PowerPoint presentation, videos and other resources related to this listing decision.