Section 13:1B-15.171 - Findings, declarations relative to the "Milkweed for Monarchs" programThe Legislature finds and declares that:
a. Every autumn, millions of monarch butterflies migrate south from Canada and the United States to Mexico, stopping at sites along the way, like New Jersey, to feed and reproduce.b. Reports indicate that migrating monarch butterflies are in "grave danger," as their colonies in Mexico now occupy the smallest area since records began in 1993.c. A major cause of decline in the monarch butterfly population is the widespread loss of a plant called milkweed, which monarch butterfly larvae rely on for food.d. Once widespread throughout the United States, milkweed has seen its range fall 58 percent between 1999 and 2010.e. The "Milkweed for Monarchs" program utilizes public and private help to plant milkweed in stormwater management basins throughout the State, thereby providing monarch butterflies with the resources they need to sustain their spectacular migration.f. Swamp milkweed, which is native to New Jersey wetlands, is perfectly suited to stormwater management basins because it is water retentive and, thus, can help reduce flooding.Added by L. 2017, c. 252,s. 2, eff. 1/8/2018.