Monarch Joint Venture Blog
Public Comment Period Regarding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The Trump-Vance Administration’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) are proposing to remove the current regulatory definition of “harm” from the Endangered Species Act (ESA). A current open comment period invites the public to provide feedback on this proposed rule. When federal agencies seek public input on proposed policies or decisions, it offers an opportunity for individuals to share their perspectives, experiences, and knowledge. Read More
Building a Buzz: A New Pollinator Habitat Blooms at Deer Creek Fish & Wildlife Area
The Monarch Joint Venture (MJV) is pleased to announce an exciting pollinator habitat project at Deer Creek Fish & Wildlife Area. Scheduled for seeding during the dormant season of 2025–2026, this initiative promises to make a significant positive contribution to the environment. In collaboration with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IN DNR) and with the generous support of a grant from the Duke Energy Foundation, this initiative aims to create 25 acres of prairie pollinator habitat to benefit bees, butterflies, and birds—species vital to sustaining agriculture and conserving biodiversity. Read More
Partnering for Pollinator Habitat at Tri-County FWA
A grant from TC Energy is providing the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area (FWA) staff in northeast Indiana with additional resources to create pollinator habitats and improve overall biodiversity. Awarded to the Monarch Joint Venture (MJV), this grant will fund the purchase of a native seed mix to establish 54 acres of prairie-pollinator habitat in Noble County, thanks to TC Energy's generosity. Read More
Remote Sensing on Energy and Transportation Rights-of-Way
As habitat loss threatens monarch butterfly populations, the Monarch Joint Venture uses remote sensing technology to assess pollinator habitat along energy and transportation rights-of-way in Minnesota to inform conservation efforts and future restoration opportunities. Read More
Celebrating 2024’s Remote Sensing Program Milestones and Next Steps
While we close out the 2024 remote sensing field season, we reflect on the opportunities that have allowed our innovative program to grow. 2024 marks the second year that MJV has applied remote sensing across a large regional landscape, surveying over 5,000 acres across Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. This year, we made significant progress toward building a cohesive, shareable, and mappable database of monarch habitat that also improves the capabilities of the conservation community to accurately monitor and evaluate pollinator habitat. Read More