The Monarch Candidate Conservation Agreement: A Step Towards Protecting a Vital Species

The monarch butterfly population has been dwindling in recent years, due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. However, there is some hope on the horizon for this vital species. In 2019, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced the Monarch Candidate Conservation Agreement (CCA), a program designed to encourage private landowners and other stakeholders to conserve and restore monarch habitat.

Under the CCA, landowners who sign on to the agreement agree to implement conservation practices on their property that benefit monarchs. These practices can include planting native milkweed and nectar plants, reducing pesticide use, and leaving habitat undisturbed during critical times in the monarch life cycle. In exchange, landowners receive assurances that they will not be penalized under the Endangered Species Act if the monarch butterfly is listed as threatened or endangered in the future.

The CCA is a voluntary program, and more than 45 companies and organizations have signed on to the agreement so far. These include agricultural companies, energy producers, and conservation organizations. Together, these companies and organizations are working to restore and conserve monarch habitat across the United States.

The CCA is an important step towards protecting the monarch butterfly, which is a critical species for pollination and ecosystem health. Monarchs are also important cultural symbols, particularly in Mexico, where they are celebrated during the Day of the Dead festival. However, the monarch population has declined by more than 80% in the last two decades, and their migration patterns have been disrupted by changes in climate and land use.

The CCA is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to saving the monarch butterfly. Other efforts include planting milkweed and other native plants in public spaces and private gardens, reducing pesticide use, and advocating for climate action. However, the CCA is an important tool for engaging private landowners in conservation efforts and encouraging them to play a role in the protection of this vital species.

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