PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) is asking for public comment on a draft strategic plan for the monarch butterfly. The plan is available for review until 5 p.m. CDT on Oct. 26. South Dakota and other Midwestern states have been working together to determine how to provide for the long-term needs of the monarch butterfly. The state planning process began a year ago. Since then, a committee has helped GFP prepare a strategic plan to guide future activities. “GFP is coordinating the planning effort, but many public and private partners have been working on pollinators for many years,” said Eileen Dowd-Stukel, wildlife diversity coordinator for GFP. “This cooperative theme is critical for future success.” Following the finalization of the strategic plan, work will begin to identify specific tasks, schedules and commitments to carry the strategic plan to implementation. The monarch is being considered for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will announce a listing decision for the eastern population of the monarch butterfly in June 2019. South Dakota’s commitment to this species will be one consideration in the decision. The public can submit comments on the plan online at gfp.sd.gov/forms/positions. |