A proposal to designate critical habitat for the monarch butterfly has prompted hesitation from Mesa County officials, who worry about potential restrictions on infrastructure projects.
Commissioners Weigh Impact of Monarch Protection
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has proposed listing the monarch butterfly as a threatened species, triggering discussions among Mesa County Commissioners about the implications of such a designation.
Cody Davis, one of the county commissioners, expressed concerns about potential restrictions on essential infrastructure projects.
Balancing Conservation and Development
Davis emphasized that protecting the monarch butterfly does not necessarily have to come at the expense of community development.
- “The two are not mutually exclusive. We can do them both at the same time. We can save the butterfly and continue to do the things that we need to do for the community.”
- The commissioner highlighted the need for flexibility in environmental regulations to avoid unnecessary hurdles for local projects.
- Infrastructure concerns include road construction and stormwater management, which could face additional scrutiny under a critical habitat designation.
Formal Response in the Works
Mesa County is considering approving a letter to the USFWS regarding the proposed listing. According to Davis, submitting such a letter is a standard response whenever a new critical habitat is proposed.
“It’s almost a form letter. We send them out every time there’s a new critical habitat that’s going to be created just to say, hey, be mindful of the impacts that you have on this community when you create a new habitat like this,” Davis explained.
The Board of County Commissioners is set to vote on the letter during its administrative public hearing on March 11. The outcome of this decision could influence how Mesa County navigates future conservation measures while maintaining local development priorities.
