New National Initiative to Reverse Monarch Population Decline Announced

COURT HOUSE – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a cooperative agreement and new national fund for protecting the Monarch butterfly. The cooperative agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Wildlife Federation and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will target the timely restoration of important Monarch habitat across the country and will serve as a catalyst for national collaboration on monarch conservation, particularly in planting native milkweeds and nectar plants, the primary food sources in breeding and migration habitats for the butterfly.
“Restoring Monarch populations will require a true team effort including individuals, businesses, schools, communities, religious institutions, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. NWF has been working hard with key partners like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Monarch Joint Venture partners, and nearly a dozen of our State Affiliates to expand and restore critical habitat on the ground and reduce the misuse of pesticides,” stated Collin O’Mara, President and CEO of National Wildlife Federation.
A State Affiliate of National Wildlife Federation, New Jersey Audubon is engaged in multiple efforts to help Monarch butterfly populations. This species has declined by more than 90% in the past 20 years and is unique among butterflies in making incredible transcontinental migrations from Canada and the United States to wintering grounds in Mexico. New Jersey Audubon is supporting the adoption of a suite of bills introduced in the New Jersey Legislature that aim to help Monarchs better survive. Three bills are focused exclusively on Monarchs, while others will benefit a host of other pollinator species through enhanced awareness and improved habitat conditions.
“Butterfly population decline is an important indicator of ecosystem health,” explained Assemblyman Timothy Eustace, D-Bergen and Passaic, sponsor of several bills focused on butterflies. “Drastic reductions in certain species of bee and bat populations have demonstrated there are unforeseen consequences to a single species decline, and this legislation lends a helping hand to Monarchs.”
The Monarch Monitoring Project, a research and education program run through NJ Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory, collects data on the hundreds of thousands of Monarchs moving through Cape May each September and October. Weighing a mere half gram, Monarchs traveling the Atlantic coast on a 2000 mile journey to Mexico become concentrated in Cape May before crossing the Delaware Bay, allowing for census counts and tagging individual butterflies in order to provide a better understanding of their movements. While the data from the Atlantic coast migration does not reflect the drastic decline in Monarch numbers seen in other parts of North America, an observed decline in milkweed patches could have far-reaching consequences for long-term population health.
Milkweed—the plant critical for Monarch survival—is not a weed, but rather a native perennial plant that provides both food for Monarch caterpillars with its leaves, and nectar for adult butterflies through its bright flowers. As Monarch caterpillars will not feed on other plant species, they depend on the availability of milkweed to lay their eggs so the caterpillars are provided a food source. Milkweed abundance has declined substantially as a result of widespread herbicide use in agriculture, loss of agricultural lands and open space to development, and landscaping practices that favor short lawns rather than taller, native vegetation. Widespread loss of milkweed has been linked to Monarch decline.
“By making milkweed more available on public lands, parks, roadsides and in private yards and gardens, Monarchs will have a better chance for long-term survival,” said New Jersey Audubon Conservation Advocate Megan Tinsley.
One bill will establish an “Adopt a Monarch Butterfly Waystation” (A3353) to provide resources and coordination for planting milkweed on public lands and parks, while the “Milkweed for Monarchs” (A3352) program will focus efforts on drainage basins that could provide ideal growth opportunities for milkweed in otherwise unused areas. Another designates May of each year as “Milkweed for Monarchs” month to encourage the planting and protection of milkweed by New Jersey residents, businesses, and schools so that Monarchs have the resources necessary to sustain their spectacular migration through the state.
Finally, an “Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Program” (A3354) will create better habitats for flowering plant species such as milkweeds and others that provide sources of nectar along our highways. Current mowing regimes cut plants before they are able to bloom and provide nectar for butterflies and other pollinators. Assemblyman Timothy Eustace is the sponsor of all four bills. The bills relating specifically to Monarchs are introduced and awaiting Committee hearings.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announcement today builds on collaborative efforts to address Monarch decline both nationally and internationally. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is providing $1.2 million to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to establish a Monarch Butterfly Conservation Fund, while also allocating an additional $2 million of funding for Monarch conservation to restore and enhance more than 200,000 acres of habitat for monarchs while also supporting over 750 schoolyard habitats and pollinator gardens, particularly in the central flyway region such as the I-35 corridor from Texas to Minnesota.
“New Jersey is a key component of the Monarch’s Atlantic Coast migration,” continued Megan Tinsley, New Jersey Audubon Conservation Advocate. “The Monarch is historically a part of our landscape, and by raising awareness of their plight and making an effort to provide their critical food source this species can remain a backyard and seaside treasure.”