ESA Listing Decision Toolkit

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has announced a proposal to list the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This page serves as a comprehensive resource to help you understand the ESA listing process and the potential consequences for farmers, landowners, and conservationists. The comment period for the proposed rule has closed. However, you can review the comments and other documents in the docket by visiting www.regulations.gov and searching under docket number FWS-R3-ES-2024-0137.

READ

Read our blog posts on news related to the monarch listing decision, including our three-part series detailing the history, process, and role farmers can play in the final listing decision.

Public Comment Period Reopened for Monarch Butterfly Listing Proposal

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced today that it will reopen the public comment period for the proposed rule to list the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.

Final Days to Submit Comments on Monarch Butterfly Endangered Species Act Listing

Barring any decision to extend, the deadline to submit public comments on the proposed listing of the monarch butterfly as a threatened species is fast approaching.

How Should Pesticide Use Be Addressed in the Monarch 4(d) Rule? USFWS Wants Your Input

One key topic USFWS is seeking public input on is the use of pesticides and how a 4(d) rule could address potential “take” of monarchs associated with pesticide applications.

Submitting Public Comments on the Proposed Monarch Butterfly Listing: A Guide for Farmers

This post is to provide relevant information and guidance to help you submit effective, meaningful comments that reflect your unique experiences and concerns.

How Farmers Can Engage on the Monarch ESA Proposal

With the public comment period now open, and two public meetings scheduled by USFWS, farmers have a vital role and opportunity to offer insights and suggestions. Here’s what you need to know to engage effectively with this process.

Monarch Proposed to be Listed as Threatened Species

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to list the monarch butterfly as threatened with species-specific protections and flexibilities to encourage conservation under section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Part 1: Charting the Monarch’s Future

 In the first post in this three-part series, Farmers for Monarchs describes the Endangered Species Act listing process in general as well as its history as it pertains to monarchs. 

Part 2: The 4(d) Rule and Critical Habitat Explained

We continue the series by clarifying the differences between a species being classified as threatened or endangered, delve deeper into any potential designation of critical habitat, and provide an overview of the 4(d) rule.

Part 3: After the Decision

We conclude the series by detailing the rule-making process, including explaining how farmers and landowners can play a pivotal role in shaping conservation efforts and regulatory policies.

WATCH

Watch video clips and interviews with conservation experts, farmers, and other stakeholders.

USFWS: Proposal to list the monarch as threatened

Growing Habitat: A Minnesota Farmer’s CP42 Journey

USFWS on Monarchs and the Endangered Species Act

Farmers for Monarchs spoke with Rachel London, manager of the Branch of Delisting and Foreign Species at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to better understand the Endangered Species Act's historical impact, with a particular focus on pollinators and insects. The interview sheds light on the distinction between threatened and endangered listings, showcased the positive role farmers play in species recovery, and provided an update on the highly anticipated listing decision for the iconic monarch butterfly.

Thoughts on Upcoming Monarch ESA Listing Decision

How CRP Benefits Farmers and the Environment