Rights-of-Way as Habitat Working Group

habitat conservation + working landscapes

A close-up image of a bee hovering near a vibrant pink flower, surrounded by green foliage, highlighting the importance of pollinators in nature.

Resources library

This online library is a clearinghouse of tools and information related to habitat on rights-of-way and other lands. From seed mix calculators to mowing guidelines and everything in between, you’ll find it here.

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Monarch butterfly perched on purple flowers, illustrating the importance of pollinators in energy and transportation landscapes, part of the CCAA initiative by the University of Illinois Chicago.

The Monarch CCAA: Energy and Transportation Lands – October 15, 2024

Webinars

The monarch butterfly is being considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act, with a proposed decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service expected in December 2024. Now is the...

Clarification on Federal Agency Enrollment in the CCA

Conservation Agreements

The Nationwide Candidate Conservation Agreement for Monarch Butterfly on Energy and Transportation Lands (Monarch CCAA; Agreement) was approved as an integrated Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) and a Candidate Conservation Agreement (CCA). This memorandum clarifies the ability of federal agencies to enroll in the CCA-portion of the Agreement and the corresponding expectations of those agencies choosing to do so.

Solar panels in a field with wildflowers, promoting sustainable energy solutions for the Monarch Butterfly CCAA initiative, scheduled for September 26, 2024.

The Monarch CCAA: Solar Energy – September 26, 2024

Webinars

Solar energy is rapidly being deployed across the U.S. At the same time, many pollinator populations have sharply declined across North America. The upcoming federal listing decision for the monarch butterfly may affect not only site development but also ongoing operations and maintenance. The Monarch CCAA offers a potential solution.

A vibrant scene of Monarch butterflies in flight among trees, highlighting the Monarch CCAA program's focus on conservation and sustainability. The image accompanies information about the program administered by the Sustainable Landscapes Program at the University of Illinois Chicago, emphasizing the importance of Monarch butterflies and their habitat.

Monarch Listing Decision Considerations

Conservation Agreements, Policy and Publications

This slide deck provides graphics and talking points that discuss the considerations of the monarch listing decision and the regulatory benefit of the Monarch CCAA
Infographic on milkweed toxicity to livestock, highlighting the decline of monarch butterfly populations and the risks posed by milkweed ingestion. It includes information on the toxicity levels in livestock, management recommendations, and the importance of preserving milkweed for environmental sustainability.

Milkweed and Rangelands

Best Management Practices, Conservation Agreements

This handout provides an overview of management for milkweed on rangelands, including methods to mitigate risks to livestock as well as general recommendations to support pollinator habitat in these areas.

Image depicting a webinar titled

Invasive Plant Management on Rights-of-Way: Addressing Invasive Annual Grasses – September 4, 2024

Webinars

The third webinar in our series on invasive plant management on rights-of-way: Our guest speakers, Dr. Shannon Clark and Dr. Brian Mealor, will discuss their research on the impacts of invasive grasses through increased fire risk, and restoration techniques to eradicate invasive grasses through their work with multi-sector partnership networks.