The U.S. government is considering listing the Monarch butterfly as a "threatened" species. Photo: Li Jianguo/Xinhua via Getty Images
The monarch butterfly's annual migratory journey from Canada to Mexico is a breeze compared to the federal government's lengthy process to protect the dwindling species.
Why it matters: The monarch — whose population has declined more than 80% since the 1990s — has waited more than 10 years for protection under the Endangered Species Act.
In Washington state, the monarch population "is low and is considered to have a declining trend," according to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.
State of play: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced last month it would reopen the public comment period on a proposal issued by the Biden administration to list the monarch as a "threatened" species with enhanced habitat protection.
Members of the public now have until May 19 to weigh in.
Catch up quick: Wildlife groups first petitioned the Fish and Wildlife Service to list the monarch under the Endangered Species Act in 2014.
