Corn Growers Respond to Monarch Butterfly Listing

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed listing the Monarch butterfly as a threatened species and designated critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act. The threatened designation proposal for the monarch reflects the need for strong conservation measures while maintaining regulatory flexibility that balances species protection with existing land uses.

This proposed listing initiates a public comment period ending March 12, 2025 in which farmers’ voices will be critical in shaping the final rule, anticipated to be finalized in late 2025, and any restrictions placed on activities that may affect monarchs.

“Because we have a close relationship with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we plan to support initiatives they have to protect endangered and threatened species while also making sure Illinois farmer voices are heard at the table,” said Megan Dwyer, Director of Conservation and Nutrient Stewardship for IL Corn.

The Endangered Species Act provides U.S. government agencies the authority to evaluate the conservation status of species and offers legal protections to those listed as endangered or threatened. In 2014, a petition was accepted to list the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.

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