To: Kirk T Steudie, Director, Michigan Department of Transportation
Save Monarch Butterflies and Native Pollinators
Monarch Butterflies and Native Pollinator Bees are in serious danger of extinction. The primary reason for this is loss of habitat. Monarch Butterflies require native milkweeds to complete their lifecycle. Excessive mowing of roadsides, highway medians and overpass slopes destroys huge amounts of milkweed and other native wildflowers our pollinators and butterflies need to survive
Why is this important?
Monarch Butterfly Populations have declined by 90% in recent years. Chiefly due to loss of habitat from development. Monarch butterfly caterpillars can only eat our native Common Milkweed, Swamp Milkweed, and Butterfly weed-- all species of Asclepias. As I travel around our state I notice freeway medians completely mowed, roadsides on state and US highways mowed for 100 yards and more, and on and off ramps mowed entirely. These are all prime sites for milkweeds and other native wildflowers to grow. Our native bees are also in serious decline. They also depend on wildflowers, including milkweeds to survive. Please stop mowing such wide areas. One mower width on the edges of roads should be enough to provide for traffic safety. This would also save fuel, reduce air pollution, and save dollars spent on manhours to provide vehicle maintenance and mowing- all of which are paid for by taxpayers.