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 (ESA). The reopened 60-day comment period will open on March 19, 2025, and will close on May 19, 2025. The extension provides an additional 60 days for stakeholders, including the agricultural community, to share their insights and recommendations regarding the proposal.
Background
In December 2024, the USFWS proposed listing the monarch butterfly as a threatened species, accompanied by a 4(d) rule aimed at tailoring protections to support conservation efforts while accommodating ongoing activities like farming. The initial 90-day comment period concluded on March 12, 2025. Recognizing the importance of comprehensive public input, the USFWS has reopened the comment period until May 19, 2025.
Why This Matters to Farmers
Farmers play a pivotal role in monarch conservation. The proposed 4(d) rule 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.
How to Submit Comments:
- When the comment period reopens on March 19, 2025, visit regulations.gov.
- Search for the docket number: FWS-R3-ES-2024-0137.
- Select the document titled “Endangered and Threatened Species: Species Status with Section 4(d) Rule for Monarch Butterfly and Designation of Critical Habitat” and click the “Comment”
ESA Listing Decision Toolkit
Farmers, landowners, and land managers can access resources and guidance from Farmers for Monarchs to help navigate the listing decision process and explore opportunities to participate in monarch-friendly programs that align with conservation goals. These resources are available through the ESA Listing Decision Toolkit on the Farmers for Monarchs website. There farmers will find blog posts, audio articles, a PowerPoint presentation, videos and other resources related to this listing decision.