Senate committee backs resolution urging TDOT to protect monarch habitat in highway rights-of-way

The Senate Transportation and Safety Committee unanimously approved SJR571, a resolution recognizing the conservation value of monarch butterflies and urging the Tennessee Department of Transportation to consider dedicating sections of highway rights-of-way to milkweed and other native wildflowers.

Chairlady Massey introduced the resolution and explained that milkweed is essential for monarchs to lay eggs and that native wildflowers are an important food source. The resolution asks TDOT to identify existing right-of-way areas where milkweed or wildflowers are growing and to refrain from mowing those areas unless absolutely necessary.

Committee members voiced support; Senator Campbell signed on and thanked the chair for bringing the resolution forward. The committee took a roll-call and the resolution passed and was placed on the calendar.