Wisconsin Monarch Conservation Strategy 2019-2038
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2019-2038
Strategy
Monarch
Wisconsin
Conservation
JAY WATSON
Paul Skawinski ARLENE KOZIOL
RYAN BRADY
2019-2038
Wisconsin
Monarch
Conservation
Strategy
Introduction 3
Background 4
Goals & Strategies 6
Communications & Outreach 6
Agriculture 7
Protected Lands 9
Rights-of-Way 11
Urban & Greenspace 13
Research & Monitoring 15
Acknowledgements 16
2
Introduction MONARCH FALL &
SPRING MIGRATION
Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus CORN
BELT
plexippus) is an iconic insect species
valued by people around the world.
They are beloved creatures for WINTER
many reasons, including their
ability to travel up to 3,000 miles
Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
from their summer breeding grounds to their FALL migration
WINTER
overwintering sites in Mexico; their interesting SPRING MIGRATION
SUMMER BREEDING AREAS
life cycle; their colorful wings; and their charisma, SPRING BREEDING AREAS
which allows them to serve as a flagship species OVERWINTERING AREAS
CORN BELT: HIGH MONARCH PRODUCTION
for conservation. They are also an important WINTER
indicator for ecosystem health, including the health
of the pollinator community, since habitat for monarchs benefits many pollinator species. However, the
monarch population east of the Rocky Mountains has declined by more than 80 percent over the past 20
years (Xerces Society 2018). During the winter of 2013-2014, measurements taken at overwintering sites in
Mexico showed that the eastern migratory population had reached its lowest level since monitoring efforts
in Mexico had begun. Reasons for the decline include breeding habitat loss, overwintering habitat loss,
climate change, pesticide use, natural enemies, and other anthropogenic concerns (Monarch Joint Venture
2018). While there are many factors for the decline in monarchs, habitat loss is considered the primary
concern for the states where monarchs breed (Midwest Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies 2018).
Monarchs are found in Wisconsin defines monarch habitat as “diverse,
from around early May to late October. forb-rich grasslands, mixed woodland- PRIMARY GOALS
After spending the winter in the grasslands, or cultivated areas that
Sierra Madre mountains of Mexico, provide native, regionally-appropriate
the eastern population travels north milkweed plants and blooming nectar The primary goals of
to reproduce. Successive generations resources throughout their breeding and
make their way to Wisconsin, migration range” (MAFWA 2018). As the Wisconsin Monarch
continuing to breed, and live only two outlined in the MAMCS, the southern Conservation Strategy are:
to six weeks as adult butterflies. The 54 counties in Wisconsin are within • To set voluntary timebound
last generation enters reproductive the North Core Monarch Conservation
Unit, the region of the Midwest that is
goals for statewide monarch
diapause as the days begin to shorten
and the temperature gets cooler in where creation of monarch habitat is of recovery
autumn, migrates south to Mexico, and highest priority. • To coordinate priorities,
lives up to nine months. identify gaps, and
Wisconsin has important habitat Monarch butterfly strengthen existing efforts
for monarch butterflies that serves life cycle
within and between sectors
as both larval and adult food sources
which support the monarch life statewide
cycle. Monarchs have four distinct • To attract resources for
stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa improved and increased
(chrysalis), and adult. Monarch adults
only lay their eggs on milkweeds, and
statewide monarch
it is the only plant that caterpillars conservation
can eat, so increasing the amount • To integrate statewide
of native milkweeds in the state is
efforts with regional and
vital to support a viable monarch
trilateral efforts between
Source: journeynorth.org
population. Monarch adults eat
nectar from blooming plants, so it is Canada, the United States,
important to have monarch-friendly and Mexico
native flowers blooming from spring
through fall. The Mid-America Monarch
Conservation Strategy (MAMCS)
3
Background
National Efforts
In response to the unprecedented
low population of monarchs during
the winter of 2013-2014, a coalition
of non-governmental organizations
and citizens submitted a petition
to the United States Fish & Wildlife
Service (USFWS) to list monarchs
as a threatened species under the
Endangered Species Act (ESA). In
December of 2014, the USFWS decided
that the listing may be warranted
and that a Species Status Assessment
should be initiated. The listing decision
is scheduled for release by the USFWS
Jay Watson, WDNR
the summer of 2019.
Eastern Migratory Flyway and identifies
Source: U.S. Department of Interior/
conservation targets, programs, and
coordinated strategies to provide a
U.S. Geological Survey
blueprint for reversing the decline of
monarchs (MAFWA 2018). MAFWA
also created a governance structure
Regional Efforts to coordinate monarch conservation
efforts throughout the Midwest, as well Map of Wisconsin illustrating the
as Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Wisconsin portion of the North Core
Due to the importance of regional
collaboration for this effort,the Since 2015, four workshops have Monarch Conservation Unit , a priority
Midwest Association of Fish & Wildlife been convened with representatives area for monarch conservation.
Agencies (MAFWA), Pheasants Forever, from MAFWA state agencies and the
and the National Wildlife Federation USFWS to discuss how to allocate
In September of 2017, the Mid-
took a leadership role for monarch regional and national habitat goals
America Monarch Conservation Strategy
butterfly conservation shortly after across state boundaries. One product of
Board of Directors set the goal of adding
the species was petitioned for listing these workshops was the Mid-American
1.3 billion stems of milkweed to the
under the ESA in 2014. In 2015 MAFWA Monarch Habitat Allocation Tool.
North Core Monarch Conservation Unit
committed to coordinate the creation This planning tool was developed to
by 2038, with a baseline year of 2014
of a 20-year plan that would summarize facilitate habitat goals and allocation
for counting new conservation efforts.
higher level strategies for the reversal decision making among states utilizing
While stems of milkweed are the metric
of the decline of monarch butterflies GIS data layers and data from the
for tracking progress, the MAMCS
and build upon existing efforts of Thogmartin et al. 2017 “All Hands on
assumes that new milkweed stems
federal, state, and local agencies, Deck” publication to establish baseline
will be embedded in a diverse matrix
as well as private organizations and milkweed densities by land use type and
of nectar plants to support monarchs
individuals. The Mid-America Monarch explore scenarios that could achieve
during breeding and migration.
Conservation Strategy (2018-2038) milkweed goals by state and land use
includes input from 16 states in the type (Thogmartin et al. 2017).
4
Background
continued
hosted by DNR and funded jointly by Conservation Strategy is effectively
DNR and generous donations from NRF. and efficiently implemented. The
The Collaborative consists of five representatives on the Coordination
Working Groups: team include Collaborative Working
Group co-leads, plus agency
Agriculture representatives from the Wisconsin
Wisconsin Actions Urban & Greenspace Department of Agriculture, Trade and
Consumer Protection, the Wisconsin
Rights-of-Way Department of Transportation, and
In 2015, states within the eastern Protected Lands the Wisconsin Department of Natural
migratory path of the monarch Research & Monitoring Resources. A Communications &
butterfly began convening Monarch Outreach Team was also created to
Summits to lay the foundation for a A Coordination Team was created to coordinate communications activities
holistic coordinated statewide plan support and guide the Working Groups for the Collaborative.
for supporting monarchs due to their and ensure that the Wisconsin Monarch
drastic decline over the past 20 years.
In May of 2017, 60 individuals from
agencies, non-profit organizations,
and businesses participated in the
Wisconsin Monarch Conservation
Summit. Representatives in Wisconsin
from the Department of Natural
Resources (DNR), the Department of
Transportation (WisDOT), Department
of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer
Protection (DATCP), Pheasants Forever,
Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, Sand
County Foundation, and the Natural
Resources Foundation of Wisconsin
collaborated to host the event with
full financial support from a U.S. Fish
and Wildlife (USFWS) grant awarded
to the National Wildlife Federation.
The summit had participation from
representatives from agriculture,
protected lands, outreach and
education, research, utilities,
Swamp milkweed seedlings
Paul Skawinski
transportation, and urban sectors.
Summit participants laid the foundation
for a statewide strategy for achieving
the habitat enhancement goals being
established by the Mid-America
Monarch Conservation Strategy Wisconsin’s habitat goal
(MAMCS). At the end of the summit,
participants created a collaborative
governance design for a new group— Given the regional goal of adding 1.3 billion stems of milkweed, state
the Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative monarch conservation groups were asked to set a state milkweed stem
(hereafter “the Collaborative”)—to goal and were given two sets of projections to inform their goal-setting:
continue the work needed to create scenario results from the Milkweed Habitat Allocation Tool, and an
and facilitate implementation of the additional analysis that apportioned milkweed stem goals proportionally
strategy. The goal of the Collaborative to states based solely on the percentage of land area that each state has in
is to provide coordination and technical the North Core Monarch Conservation Unit. For Wisconsin, the Milkweed
resources for public and private Habitat Allocation Tool recommended a goal of just over 119 million
landowners to voluntarily add or stems of milkweed, while the proportional land area method suggested
enhance monarch habitat, share success a goal of nearly 138 million stems. There was broad agreement across the
stories, and track progress as individuals
and organizations in Wisconsin help
Collaborative Working Groups to use the Milkweed Habitat Allocation
in the national effort to proactively Tool recommendation and set the Wisconsin goal at 119,166,104 milkweed
recover monarchs. The Collaborative stems embedded in a matrix of diverse nectar sources throughout
hired a full-time coordinator in January the state, with priority on the 54 counties in the North Core Monarch
2018 to facilitate its operations, Butterfly Conservation Unit. Voluntary participation from many partners,
prepare this strategy, and to coordinate representing all land use sectors will be essential to reach this goal.
implementation. The coordinator is
5
Goal
GOALS & STRATEGIES 2
Ensure that creative and thoughtful
partnerships are in place to
facilitate monarch conservation
Communications work in Wisconsin.
& outreach
Strategy 2.1
Overview Identify key stakeholder gaps in the
Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative and
Communications and outreach strategies are key to successful seek to close those gaps.
conservation efforts. By identifying communications tone and Assessment: Completion of a gap
messages as well as participants, supporters, and influencers, the assessment within the first six months
Communications & Outreach Team helps advance the Collaborative’s of implementation and a subsequent
strategy to close the gaps.
goals by ensuring cohesive messaging between Collaborative members,
and inspiring people and organizations to take action in this voluntary
effort. This team is made up of Communications & Outreach Liaisons Strategy 2.2
Ensure partners are engaged through
and the Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative Coordinator. There is one consistent communications and
Communications & Outreach Liaison on each Working Group who strategic in-reach.
serves as the communications and/or outreach expert in that sector. Assessment: Monitor frequency of
communications and development of
work plan for implementing strategic
Goal in-reach.
1 #1
Goal
Communicate clear, consistent, Strategy 1.3 Strategy 2.3
on-point messages about the Develop internal communications Identify opportunities for increased
channels for the Wisconsin Monarch and more robust partnerships among
Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative’s
Collaborative. Collaborative members in order to meet
goals and progress, as well as Collaborative goals and strategies.
the conservation issues facing Assessment:The Coordination
monarch butterflies and how Team will provide guidance on the Assessment: Inclusion of partnership
individuals can help make a best methods for communication opportunities in future Wisconsin
between Working Group members. Monarch Summits, work plans, etc.
difference by supporting the work
and communications efforts of the
Collaborative’s Working Groups.
Strategy 1.4
Develop a Monarch Collaborative
Strategy 1.1 Toolkit that will provide Wisconsin
Dedicated communications and Monarch Collaborative members
2019-203
8
outreach experts will participate on the with ideas for social media, calls to
Wisco
Mon nsin
Conse arch
Communications & Outreach Team and
COLLA
action, talking points, etc. to improve
MISSIO BORATIVE
rvatio N
Strateg n The pur
y pos
Wisconsin e of the
as liaisons to Working Groups that are
Collabo Monarch
statewide awareness of monarch
rati
The easter create and ve is to
n monar a statewi implement
declined ch popula
by tion has conserv de monarch
years. Org over 80 percen
aligned with their expertise.
atio
anization t in the which enc n strategy
decline, what’s causing it, and how
created s from acr past 20 habitat ompasses
MONARCH
a bluepr oss Wiscon creation SPRING FALL
monarch int to and enh MIGRAT &
population help reverse the sin anc
education ement,
ION
voluntary
, coordin decline throug and rese and outreach,
habitat ated, lan ha arch
they can help make a difference.
conservat dscape-sca monitoring and How can
Assessment: By the end of the first
ion approa le . the mo you help
Members ch. narch
of s?
Collabora the Wisconsin Create hab
tive create Monarch CORN matter howitat. No
Monarch d
Conservat the Wisconsin
BELT
you hav much spa
year, Communications & Outreach
e, ce
include ion WINTER
monarch-fyou can plant
individual Strategy. Memb
Assessment: Completion of the
a
s from var ers with nat riendly garden
agencies, ive milk
non-profit ious and nec
tar plan
weed
s, busine ts.
universiti sses and
liaisons will have representation on
es from
FALL mIgRAT
ION
acr COLLA
Toolkit in the first year and revisions
the state. oss
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mIgRAT
GROUPSBORAT ION
IVE
SUmmER
BREEDIN
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BREEDIN
SeRviCe
OVERWI
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The Collabo
NTERINg
AREAS
CORN BELT:
AND WiLDLiFe
rative is
each Working Group and will ensure
HIgH mONAR
compris CH PRODUC
Service
TION
ed
Working of five
and updates as needed throughout
WINTER
Groups:
and Wildlife
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u.S. FiSh
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ture Y GOAL
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JAY WATSON
ed When they
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that communications messaging from
are in Wisco
Wisconsin monarchs nsin, adult
Source:
h is to add lay their
• Rights-o & Monitoring
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the duration of implementation.
an Monarch the milkweed,
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• Urban
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Strategy 1.2
BUTTERFL
Develop agreed-upon
Y
WEE
(Asclepia D RED (SWA
MP)
s tuberosa MILKWEE
Blooms ) (Asclepia D COMMON
Jun-Aug
s incarnata) MILKWEE
Blooms
The Communications & Outreach Team
Jun-Aug (Asclepia D
s syriaca)
communications messages for
Blooms
Learn mo Jun-Aug
re at wim
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onarchs.o
JAY WATSON
rg
members will assist Working Groups targeted audiences.
with communications and outreach
Assessment: Members of the A handout with information
issues on an as-needed basis.
Communications & Outreach Team about this Strategy document
Assessment: By the end of the first will identify education messaging for was created by Collaborative
year there will be a process in place targeted audiences (e.g. Agriculture members, which will be
for supporting communications and Working Group Strategy 1.1). distributed to the public.
outreach activities for Working Groups.
6
Strategy 1.5
GOALS & STRATEGIES Provide resources for K-12 educators to
give students knowledge and experience
for integrating habitat within an
agricultural landscape.
Assessment: Track the type and
number of standards-based curriculum
AGRICULTURE resources that are utilized by educators
annually.
Overview
Agriculture is the dominant land use within the monarch butterfly’s Goal
midwestern summer breeding range. Privately-owned farmland 2
provides the single largest opportunity to create the widely distributed
patchwork of habitat needed to grow monarch populations. Field Increase the presence of milkweed
and other nectar-bearing forbs
buffers, ditch banks, farmsteads, private roadways, and unproductive within the agricultural landscape in
areas of farms all offer potential sites for various species of milkweed ways that do not compete with crop
and other forbs needed to sustain not only monarchs but also the production.
multiple bee species needed to pollinate many crops.
Strategy 2.1
Improve habitat quality on land
Strategy 1.4 currently enrolled in USDA conservation
Provide certified crop consultants easement and land-rental programs
Goal and other agricultural advisors with though management practices such
1 professional training for integrating as inter-seeding, prescribed fire, and
habitat within an agricultural removal of invasive species.
Communicate benefits, landscape.
opportunities, and methods of Assessment: Track the number
Assessment: Track habitat-related of Conservation Reserve Program
habitat enhancement to private
trainings and continuing education (CRP) and Agricultural Conservation
agricultural land managers and credits earned by agricultural advisors Easement Program (ACEP) acres that
those who support them. annually. receive treatment annually.
Strategy 1.1
Define a consistent message to
agricultural stakeholders on behalf of
the Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative.
Assessment: Confirm agreement
among Wisconsin Monarch
Collaborative agricultural members of
public messaging and talking points,
updated annually.
Strategy 1.2
Maintain a “speakers bureau” of
specialists available to promote habitat
enhancement at agriculture events
across Wisconsin.
Assessment: Track the number and
COURTESY OF ALSUM FARMS & PRODUCE
type of specialists available statewide.
Strategy 1.3
Deliver presentations about monarch
habitat at one or more events delivered
by each major agricultural stakeholder
group in Wisconsin.
Assessment: Track the number of Larry Alsum, of Alsum Farms near Spring Green, has been using unirrigated areas of
presentations and audience reached his farm fields to plant wildflowers, milkweed and prairie grasses since the 1990s and
annually. now has about 17 acres of restored pollinator habitat.
7
Agriculture
continued
Goal #3
Strategy 2.2
Create new habitat through enrollment Goal
of agricultural producers into USDA 3
and other financial assistance
programs. Promote to agricultural Assessment: Track the publication of
Assessment: Track number of acres stakeholders the most efficient appropriate seeding methods to land
implementing monarch habitat and cost-effective means to managers and service providers.
through new contracts under CRP, establish, monitor, and protect
Conservation Reserve Enhancement monarch habitat. Strategy 3.3
Program (CREP), ACEP, Environmental
Promote the use of practices designed
Quality Enhancement Program (EQIP),
Strategy 3.1 to minimize off-target movement or
Conservation Stewards Program
Publicize appropriate seed mixes and overspray of pesticides onto dedicated
(CSP), and other federal, state or local
milkweed seed densities for specific monarch habitat, field margins and
programs.
site settings, field conditions, and sensitive areas.
management approaches. Assessment: Monitor trends in the
Strategy 2.3 adoption of these practices.
Assessment: Track the publication
Improve habitat value of on-farm non-
of appropriate seed mixes to land
production lands through appropriately
managers and service providers. Strategy 3.4
timed mowing, brush management
Increase volunteer participation in
or other practices that encourage
the Integrated Monarch Monitoring
milkweed propagation. Strategy 3.2 Program on agricultural land.
Assessment: Estimate changes in land Publicize appropriate site preparation
and seeding methods for specific Assessment: Track the number of
management activities every three
site settings, field conditions, and agricultural sites that are monitored
years.
management approaches (e.g. through by the Integrated Monarch Monitoring
demonstration sites). Program.
Strategy 2.4
Establish new habitat on a portion of
agricultural lands with lower return on
investment for agricultural production.
Assessment: Monitor trends in the
successful establishment of habitat
on former cropland, especially
through use of precision agricultural
technology.
Strategy 2.5
Establish new habitat or encourage
milkweed propagation on portions of
idle lands around facilities used for
livestock feeding, dairy production,
grain storage, food processing, and
other agricultural enterprises.
Assessment: Track the number of
Sand County Foundation
acres and number of facilities where
habitat is established.
Chilton, Wisconsin FFA members creating monarch habitat.
8
Strategy 2.2
GOALS & STRATEGIES Coordinate all partners working together
to interseed monarch habitat by sharing
expertise, seed/plants, and equipment.
Assessment: The Protected Lands
Working Group will complete this
much of this effort within three years
PROTECTED LANDS of implementation, but this will be an
ongoing strategy.
Overview Assessment: The Protected Lands
Working Group will work to implement
Currently tens of thousands of acres of permanently protected land one demonstration site showcasing
by state, federal, county, and local units of government; land trusts; interseeding techniques to improve
conservation organizations; and tribes are or could provide monarch monarch habitat in the next five years.
rearing and fall nectar habitat. Many of these acres are already being
managed for wildlife, and with additional work the lands can also Strategy 2.3
greatly benefit monarchs and other pollinators. A combination of Interseed species that benefit monarchs
(milkweeds and fall nectar species) on
new plantings (80% of habitat goal), interseeding (15%), along with existing grassland and savanna habitats
habitat management (5%) will increase or maintain use by monarchs. that support suboptimal populations of
In addition to planting milkweeds, all projects should include species milkweeds (host) and fall nectar species.
that benefit pollinators and bloom throughout the growing seasons, Assessment: Eighty percent of the
especially those species that monarchs nectar on in fall migration. interseeding will be completed in the
first 10 years of implementation.
Assessment: The Protected Lands
Goal Working Group will work to implement
1 one demonstration site showcasing Popular Native
new monarch habitat planting in the
Milkweed Species
next five years.
Identify and establish new
plantings for improving monarch
Strategy 1.3
habitat in Wisconsin’s grasslands
Plant monarch habitat and convert
and savannas. existing open areas to monarch habitat BUTTERFLY
by planting milkweed seeds, and a WEED
Strategy 1.1 diversity of forbs and grasses, especially (Asclepias tuberosa)
Identify state, federal, county, and fall nectar species. Blooms Jun-Aug
local units of government; land Assessment: Eighty percent of the
trusts; conservation organizations; planted habitat will be completed in
and tribes that manage permanently the first 10 years of implementation.
protected lands along with the
acreage of cropland or marginal
habitat that could be restored to Goal RED (SWAMP)
monarch habitat. 2 MILKWEED
(Asclepias incarnata)
Assessment: The Protected Lands Blooms Jun-Aug
Working Group will complete most Identify and interseed key monarch
of this effort within two years of plants into existing grassland and
implementation; however other savanna habitats.
partners can join this effort anytime.
Strategy 2.1 COMMON
Strategy 1.2 Identify state, federal, county, and MILKWEED
Coordinate all partners working local units of government; land trusts; (Asclepias syriaca)
together to plant monarch habitat by conservation organizations; and tribes Blooms Jun-Aug
sharing expertise, seed/plants, and along with the acreage of permanently
equipment. protected land that could be interseeded
Assessment: The Protected Lands to monarch habitat.
Working Group will complete much Assessment: The Protected Lands
of this effort within three years of Working Group will complete most For more information about
implementation, but this will be an of this effort within ten years of Wisconsin’s native milkweed
ongoing strategy. implementation. species, please visit:
wimonarchs.org/habitat.cfm
9
PROTECTED LANDS
continued Strategy 3.3 Assessment: Members of the Protected
Manage monarch habitat by prescribed Lands Working Group will complete
AGRTICULTURE burning, brush removal and invasive baseline monitoring before a pre-
Goal continued species removal. selected number of land management
3 Assessment: The Protected Lands actions.
Working Group will be conducting this
Maintain monarch habitat in
work for the next 20 years. Strategy 4.3
Wisconsin’s grasslands and savanna Conduct monitoring on milkweed and
with Best Management Practices key fall nectar species in restored and
that will provide for high quality Goal managed habitats.
breeding and fall migration habitat.
\ 4 Assessment: Members of the
Protected Lands Working Group will be
Strategy 3.1 conducting/coordinating/assisting with
Identify state, federal, county, and Report research and monitor results
monitoring of milkweed and key fall
local units of government; land trust; of establishing and maintaining nectar species in a pre-selected number
conservation organizations; and tribes monarch habitat on permanently of areas for the next 20 years.
along with their acreage of monarch protected lands.
habitat that requires management
including prescribed burning, brush Strategy 4.4
Strategy 4.1 Report research and monitoring results
removal and invasive species removal. Conduct research on interseeding to the Collaborative.
Assessment: The Protected Lands monarch habitat.
Working Group will complete most Assessment: The Protected Lands
Assessment: The Protected Lands Working Group will be reporting results
of this effort within three years of Working Group will be conducting/
implementation; however other annually for the next 20 years.
coordinating/assisting with this
partners can join this effort anytime. research for the next 10 years.
Strategy 3.2 Strategy 4.2
Coordinate all partners working Conduct baseline assessments of
together to maintain monarch habitat milkweed and key nectar species prior
by sharing expertise and equipment. to conducting habitat restoration or
habitat management practices.
Assessment: The Protected Lands
Working Group will be conducting this
work for the next 20 years.
AL HILLERY
Julie Hillery of Boulder Junction has become an advocate for monarchs, emphasizing the need to increase milkweed stems to
support the species. Each fall, she collects milkweed pods to harvest the seeds so others can add more of the plants that nourish
monarch caterpillars and adults alike.
10Strategy 1.3
GOALS & STRATEGIES Publish and share applicable BMPs
and resources identified in Strategies
1.1 and 1.2 on the Wisconsin Monarch
Collaborative website.
Assessment: ROW Working Group of
the Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative
RIGHTS-OF-WAY will complete this effort within two
years of Plan implementation.
Overview
Go
Transportation and utility rights-of-way (ROWs) have been identified Goal
as unique opportunity areas for monarch and pollinator habitat 2
al #2
conservation at the landscape level. ROWs encompass thousands
of acres of land, intersecting much of Wisconsin’s landscape. These Implementation of best
management practices for
systems are typically managed for the safe and efficient transport of improving monarch and pollinator
goods, services and/or people. However, with minor modifications habitat applicable to Wisconsin
to routine practices, ROWs can also be managed to promote monarch right-of-way areas, where practical.
and pollinator conservation by creating, enhancing and maintaining
diverse habitats Strategy 2.1
Identify utility, transportation, and
railroad partners that operate, maintain,
Goal Assessment: ROW Working Group of and own land in Wisconsin.
1 the Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative
will complete this effort within one year
Assessment: Complete during
Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative
of implementation. implementation process. Welcome
Identify best management practices new partners throughout duration of
(BMPs) for improving monarch and Wisconsin’s Strategy.
pollinator habitat that are applicable Strategy 1.2
Identify applicable BMPs for creating,
to Wisconsin right-of-way areas.
enhancing and maintaining monarch Strategy 2.2
and pollinator habitat in Wisconsin Identify potential Wisconsin ROWs to
Strategy 1.1 ROW. create and/or enhance monarch and
Research and review existing BMPs for Assessment: ROW Working Group of pollinator habitat.
creating, enhancing and maintaining the Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative Assessment: Strategy will be
monarch and pollinator habitat in will complete this effort within one year implemented within first three years
Wisconsin ROWs. of implementation. of Plan Strategy implementation.
Xcel energy
11RIGHTS-OF-WAY
continued Strategy 4.3
Goal Educate industry decision-makers on
4 the role of ROW for monarchs and
pollinators in Wisconsin, emphasizing
Strategy 2.3 Support education and outreach the business case, cost-benefit analyses
Implement pilot projects and efforts throughout the state and public interest in monarch and
demonstration areas showcasing for industry representatives, pollinator conservation.
various pollinator BMPs, with projects stakeholders and the public on Assessment: Working with industry
that represent the different types of the roles of ROWs in monarch partners and the Communications
ROW managers participating on the
and pollinator conservation & Outreach Team, create education
ROW Sector group.
and industry constraints in materials for industry partners to
Assessment: Implement five pilot implementing conservation share with decision-makers. Create
projects or demonstration areas within initiatives. materials during the first two years
five years of Strategy implementation. of plan implementation and refine at
least every five years, as needed. Share
Strategy 4.1 materials within and across sector
Strategy 2.4 Increase industry awareness about groups and partners involved in the
Identify and showcase industry how monarchs and pollinators utilize Collaborative.
champions that are leading monarch Wisconsin ROWs.
and pollinator conservation efforts in
the state via demonstration sites. Assessment: Strategy will be Strategy 4.4
implemented throughout duration Increase public and stakeholder
Assessment: Champions represent of Plan.
organizations that are exceeding awareness about the role of Wisconsin’s
the Plan’s goals by implementing rights-of-way in monarch and pollinator
successful monarch and pollinator conservation, and industry constraints
Strategy 4.2
initiatives, such as pilot projects and in implementing monarch and pollinator
Educate industry partners and decision-
BMPs. Champions and demonstration conservation initiatives.
makers about the Wisconsin Monarch
sites will be showcased through the Collaborative and the BMPs identified Assessment: Working with the
Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative and by the ROW Sector group. Communications & Outreach Team,
on the Collaborative’s website. create outreach and education
Assessment: Strategy will be
materials during the first two years
implemented by ROW Sector group
of Strategy implementation. Refine
during first five years of the plan and
Goal will continue throughout the duration
materials at least every five years or
3 of the plan to encourage continued
as needed. Share outreach materials
within and across sector groups and
participation and welcome new
partners involved in the Collaborative.
Increase collaboration among partners.
Encourage outreach efforts among
landowners, natural resources partners annually throughout duration
experts, volunteers, industry of the plan.
representatives, and decision-
makers resulting in successful
statewide rights-of-way monarch
and pollinator initiatives.
Strategy 3.1
Identify and promote partnership
opportunities in Wisconsin ROWs on
the Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative
website.
Assessment: Strategy will be
implemented throughout duration of
Plan, with additional emphasis and
effort in first five years.
Strategy 3.2
Establish partnerships that create
and enhance monarch and pollinator
habitat in Wisconsin ROWs.
Assessment: Strategy will be
implemented throughout duration of
AL HILLERY
Plan, with additional emphasis and
effort in first five years.
12GOALS & STRATEGIES Goal
2
Build community familiarity with
native plants and their benefits,
URBAN & and expertise in native plant garden
care.
GREENSPACE
Overview Strategy 2.1
Create a Top 12 plant list for butterfly
Urban landscaping and greenspaces like public parks offer great gardens, focusing on species that are
opportunities to support monarchs. Simple choices of which plants appealing to a wide audience (versatile,
to install into a flowerbed at a park’s entrance or along the foundation sturdy, somewhat short, beautiful, etc.).
of a house can provide nectar sources and milkweeds for egg-laying. Assessment: Create list by July 2019
and post to Monarch Collaborative
With education and better availability of native plants, homeowners website.
and greenspace managers can play a crucial role in providing monarchs
with the resources that they need to thrive in our urban, suburban, and
Strategy 2.2
rural residential environments. Promote Healthy Lakes funding
(Healthylakeswi.org) to cost-share
native plantings and rain gardens near
Goal lakes and rivers, which can be designed
1 Assessment: Document successful
collaboration activities with Parks
with monarch conservation in mind.
Departments and other park managers Assessment: Create map of new native
Increase prevalence of monarch planting installations assisted by the
habitat (breeding and nectaring) in on an ongoing basis.
Healthy Lakes grant program.
urban/suburban environments.
Popular Native Monarch
Plant Bloom Times
Strategy 1.1
Support creation of demonstration
butterfly gardens using native plants at MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER
Wisconsin parks, schools, libraries, and
other public places where large numbers Prairie phlox (Phlox pilosa)
of people can see and be inspired by
them. Encourage the certification of Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
these demonstration gardens as official
Monarch Waystations. Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
Assessment: Track the installation
Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
of new demonstration gardens, and
communicate with Monarch Watch to
determine the number of new Monarch Aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium)
Waystations in Wisconsin and where
they are located. Orange coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida)
Swamp milkweed
(Asclepias incarnata)
Strategy 1.2
Partner with groups such as Master Showy goldenrod (Solidago speciosa)
Gardeners and Wild Ones chapters to
provide outreach to local gardening Showy blazing-star
groups, birding clubs, and other (Liatris ligulistylis)
organizations with an interest in New England aster
landscaping and gardening. (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
Assessment: Document successful Sweet black-eyed susan
collaboration activities between (Rudbeckia subtomentosa)
organizations on an ongoing basis.
Be sure to plant species native to Wisconsin and to pick a mixture of plants
Strategy 1.3 that bloom from spring to fall. Here are some monarch favorites to get you
Work with Parks & Recreation started, listed by bloom times. These monarch favorites were selected by
Departments to encourage use of the Urban & Greenspace Working Group members.
natives in park landscaping.
13URBAN & GREEN SPACE
continued Strategy 3.2 Strategy 3.3
Seek out opportunities to reach Work with appropriate media outlets
professional landscapers, including including gardening radio shows (e.g.
conferences, to get landscapers more Wisconsin Public Radio’s Garden Talk)
Strategy 2.3 familiar with native plants and the to share information about establishing
Encourage demonstration gardens to benefits of using them. butterfly gardens, and addressing
also register as Monarch Waystations questions/concerns from the public.
Assessment: Document conferences
with associated signage displaying
that Collaborative partners attend. Assessment: Archive media outreach
the purpose of these habitats. Provide
“Proud Partner of Wisconsin Monarch efforts.
Collaborative” stickers to owners/
managers of demonstration gardens.
Assessment: Create map of new
demonstration gardens and Monarch
Waystations.
Strategy 2.4
Hold native plant garden open houses
or tours. These tours would range
from residential property “garden
tours” to tours of nature center
gardens, arboreta, and other public
demonstration gardens.
Assessment: Document garden tours
and organizations that work with
Paul Skawinski, Urban & Greenspace Co-Lead
Collaborative partners to promote
these events.
Strategy 2.5
Hold workshops in which prospective
native plant gardeners could bring
along yard sketches/layouts to get
expert advice on how to design a native
garden on their property, and answers
to questions about gardening with Urban Monarch Waystation habitat.
native plants.
Assessment:Document workshops
and organizations that work with
Collaborative partners to promote
these events.
Goal
3
Reach out to major landowners
and professionals who can lead by
example in their communities.
Strategy 3.1
Paul Skawinski, Urban & Greenspace Co-Lead
Encourage outreach to corporations,
universities, and private campuses with
expanses of land that could be modified
to contain monarch habitat.
Assessment: Document campuses that
install monarch habitat and promote
their partnership with the Monarch
Collaborative.
This planting served as a colorful wall of flowers to screen views of the
neighboring properties.
14GOALS & STRATEGIES
RESEARCH &
MONITORING
Overview
To best support monarch butterfly recovery in the state, activities Goal
and efforts need to be supported by the best available science and be
responsive to changes on the ground. A comprehensive recovery
2
Goal #2
plan should include ways of incorporating research and monitoring Develop monitoring approaches
in guiding statewide efforts. Moreover, as the Wisconsin Monarch for both milkweed and monarchs
Conservation Strategy is focused primarily on the addition of milkweed that enable the tracking of progress
plants embedded in a matrix of diverse nectar plants, the Wisconsin towards statewide targets for
Monarch Collaborative should utilize information from citizen science both species.
projects that inform where habitat efforts should be focused and
measure the success of such efforts. Strategy 2.1
Determine the optimal method(s)
for monitoring monarch populations,
monarch habitat use, and monarch
Goal Strategy 1.3 habitat quantity and quality in
1 Incorporate spatial considerations when
planning milkweed restorations to
Wisconsin. Ensure that method(s)
selected are integrated with ongoing
ensure the greatest monarch regional or national efforts.
Establish science-based criteria population gains will be realized. Assessment: By the end of the first
for determining habitat-based year, adopt and publicize unified
Assessment: By the end of the first
milkweed targets appropriate to year, refine planting recommendations sampling approaches and protocols
Wisconsin, refining best available and where in the state planting that allow easy exchange of data on
science-based strategies for optimal should occur as informed by emerging monarchs and milkweed habitat across
monarch habitat and monarch landscape ecology research. efforts/programs/projects.
population gains for Wisconsin.
Strategy 1.1
Determine if habitat-based milkweed
stem density assumptions are
appropriate for Wisconsin, and collect
relevant data to refine estimates.
Assessment: Within the first year, have
a list of milkweed species ideal for use
in Wisconsin, and best management
practices for establishment of target
milkweed stem densities.
Strategy 1.2
Identify regions in the state, or particular
habitat types, where increasing milkweed
plantings can have the greatest effect on
monarch populations.
The Monarch Joint Venture
Assessment: Within the first year,
coordinate with the other working
groups to identify where milkweed
abundance is likely to be increased and
evaluate potential monarch increases
from that land.
Monarch Larva Monitoring Program training at the UW-Madison Arboretum.
15RESEARCH &
MONITORING
continued Assessment: By the end of the Assessment: By the end of the third
second year, quantify baseline (2018) year, develop a process by which data
participation in relevant citizen science from on-the-ground efforts can be
Goal programs and set a goal, including summarized and compared to stem goal
3 #3
Goal
benchmarks if determined appropriate,
for the quantity and spatial distribution
benchmarks.
Develop mechanisms for incorporation of participation in citizen science Goal
of monitoring results into broader
program that are compatible with the
monitoring methods in Strategy 2.1. 5 #5
Goal
statewide restoration efforts.
Support other working groups who
Goal #4 require information on the best-
Strategy 3.1:
Increase participation in citizen science 4 management practices or target goals.
efforts and evaluate the Monarch Help establish criteria for a successful
Conservation Strategy’s integration with monarch recovery in Wisconsin and
these efforts. Several long-standing and Strategy 5.1
the targets and metrics to evaluate Coordinate with other groups,
new monarch citizen science projects
can contribute valuable information progress towards those goals. including those within the Wisconsin
to monarch science and conservation, Monarch Collaborative (e.g., Outreach
and can help monitor milkweed, nectar & Communications Team) to inform
Strategy 4.1 strategies/outcomes, and provide
resources, and monarch populations. Monitor the status of monarchs,
Programs to consider include, but may expertise towards monarch recovery.
milkweeds, and their habitats, as they
not be limited to, Journey North, the relate to the 20-year milkweed stem goals. Assessment: Ensure Research
Monarch Larva Monitoring Project & Monitoring Working Group
(MLMP), and Integrated Monarch Assessment: By the end of the first representatives participate in other
Monitoring Program (IMMP). year, develop benchmarks for stem working group discussions/planning.
goals (e.g., 5, 10, and 15-year midpoints)
for each of the land use types (e.g.,
rights-of-way, agriculture).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
WORKS CITED
idwest Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. 2018.
M A special thank you to the Wisconsin Monarch
Mid-America Monarch Conservation Strategy. Collaborative Coordination Team members for leading the
Available from: http://www.mafwa.org/?page_ development and vision of the strategy: Alyssa Barrette
id=2347 (Wisconsin Department of Transportation), Owen Boyle
(Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Strategy &
onarch Joint Venture. 2018. Threats. Available from:
M Collaborative Technical Lead), Cindy Burtley (Public Service
https://monarchjointventure.org/monarch-biology/ Commission of Wisconsin), Shannon Davis-Foust (Fox
threats Valley Wild Ones), Craig Ficenec (Sand County Foundation),
hogmartin, W.E., L. López-Hoffman, J. Rohweder,
T Claudio Gratton (University of Wisconsin- Madison), David
J. Diffendorfer, R. Drum, D. Semmens, S. Black, I. Hogg (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Brenna Jones
Caldwell, D. Cotter, P. Drobney, L.L. Jackson, M. Gale, (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Strategy &
D. Helmers, S. Hilburger, E. Howard, K. Oberhauser, J. Collaborative Coordinator), Chris Kirkpatrick (The Prairie
Pleasants, B. Semmens, O. Taylor, P. Ward, J.F. Weltzin Enthusiasts), Mark Martin (Madison Audubon Society/
and R. Wiederholt. 2017. Restoring monarch butterfly Goose Pond), Brenna Marsicek (Madison Audubon
habitat in the Midwestern U.S.: ‘all hands on deck’. Society), Marty Moses (Pheasants Forever), Michael
Environmental Research Letters, 12: 074005 Murray (Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade,
erces Society. 2018. Monarch Conservation. Available
X and Consumer Protection), Christa Schaefer (Wisconsin
from: https://xerces.org/monarchs/ Department of Transportation), Paul Skawinski (University
of Wisconsin-Extension), Andrew Wallendal (Wisconsin
Potato and Vegetable Growers Association), Caitlin
Acknowledgements Williamson (Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin),
and Tom Senatori Designs.
his Wisconsin Monarch Conservation Strategy
T
was made possible by the Wisconsin Monarch Additional supporters of the Collaborative are welcome
Collaborative supporters, associated organizations, and encouraged to reach out to the Wisconsin Monarch
and their staff by dedicating time and effort to planning, Collaborative Coordinator or Co-Leads in order to take part
writing, and editing the document. A full list of in the Collaborative activities. More information about
the Collaborative supporters can be found here: the Collaborative and how to donate can be found at
wimonarchs.org/about.cfm wimonarchs.org.
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