The monarch butterfly is in trouble. With its numbers in decline for decades and its habitat rapidly disappearing, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is set to rule soon on whether it should be protected under the Endangered Species Act.
The monarch’s unique lifecycle and migration pattern bring it to locations throughout electric co-op territory. Co-ops across the country know this and have been doing their part to try and save this iconic species.
In the latest episode of Along Those Lines, we’re joined by Janelle Lemen and Stephanie Crawford, both from NRECA’s regulatory division, and Brad Foss, environmental impact manager at Dairyland Power Cooperative in Wisconsin. They explain what’s making it difficult for monarchs to thrive, what an Endangered Species Act listing would mean, and what steps co-ops have been proactively taking to conserve the monarch.
Editor’s Note: On May 24, 2019, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it has postponed its decision on the status of the monarch butterfly until Dec. 15, 2020.
Listen to the episode below:
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Related Content:
• RE Magazine: The Butterfly Effect
• New Federal Conservation Agreement on Monarchs Would Credit Co-op Action
• Got Milkweed? Pollinator Week Is a Time to Shine for Co-op Preservation Efforts
• Co-op Pollinator Success Begins With Education
Find out more about NRECA’s podcast. Questions or suggestions? Email us at AlongThoseLines@nreca.coop.