Monarch Butterfly Roundtables - Agriculture & Landscaping Industries

On December 12, 2024, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) annouced the proposed status of monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act with designated critical habitat and a 4(d) rule. They have requested (as required) public comment and information sharing relevant to monarch butterflies (topics listed below).

The purpose of this roundtable series is to stimulate conversation & discussion regarding the impact of possible conservation measures, potential challenges with adherence to & compliance with future regulations & to encourage individuals & organizations to submit comments & share information with USFWS before the March 12, 2025 deadline; to submit comments follow the previous link or visit https://www.regulations.gov/ & search docket # FWS–R3–ES–2024–0137.

Monarch meetings are hosted at Northside Marketplace (21 Furnace St. Suite 404 Akron, Ohio 44308) from 6:30pm - 8:00pm with each meeting consisting of a shorter information session including a general overview of monarch butterflies (biology, habitat, range), potential impacts to specific industries, collective or breakout group roundtable discussions, & a collaborative overview of topics discussed.

• 15 January - non-profit & park system industries
• 29 January - energy & transportation industries
• 19 February - agriculture & landscaping service industries
• 12 March - land development & technology industries

Topics requested for comment &/or information

• species' biology, range, & population
• threats & conservation actions
• current & historical status
• whether a 4(d)rule is necessary & if so, what actions, industries, or specific practices should be included
• proposed designated habitat
• potential economic, national security, or other impacts resulting from designating specific areas as critical habitat.

Host or Publisher Paige Reeher