Tennessee Senate Bill SJR0571

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/26
• Engrossed: 2/9/26
• Refer: 2/12/26

Caption

A RESOLUTION to urge the Tennessee Department of Transportation to establish habitat and no-mow areas on highway rights-of-way for the monarch butterfly.

Impact

The resolution advocates for the use of highway rights-of-way in Tennessee for planting milkweed and other native wildflowers that attract monarch butterflies. Such measures could enhance the butterfly population, assist in their migration patterns, and contribute positively to the state’s biodiversity and aesthetic appeal of travel routes. The recognition of existing habitats along the rights-of-way, which should be preserved by refraining from mowing, forms a critical part of this resolution, potentially creating safe havens for the butterflies during their migratory routes.

Summary

SJR0571 is a resolution that urges the Tennessee Department of Transportation to establish habitat and no-mow areas on highway rights-of-way specifically for the benefit of the monarch butterfly. This resolution recognizes the critical role that monarch butterflies play in the ecosystem and addresses their alarming decline, which is attributed to habitat destruction, particularly the loss of milkweed, their primary food source and egg-laying plant. The text emphasizes the need to protect and restore these essential habitats along Tennessee's highways and roadways, which could also yield significant cost savings in mowing expenses.

Contention

While SJR0571 has wide bipartisan support due to its environmental aims, some might raise concerns about the allocation of resources and changes in maintenance schedules for highway right-of-ways. Additionally, the effectiveness of these no-mow areas in contributing to monarch conservation may lead to discussions on the broader implications for transportation management and ecological responsibility. Ultimately, debates may center around balancing aesthetic and practical roadside management with ecological priorities.