Dear Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe:

The beautiful monarch butterfly is facing some tough times. This North American symbol of majesty and peace has seen a sharp increase in habitat and food source loss over the past few years, which can mostly be attributed to illegal logging and modern pesticides.

The monarch butterfly has a fascinating and unique life cycle. Each year when the cycle begins, the butterflies fly north to lay their eggs. Three sets of generations are born within the next few months, and survive by feeding on their chosen source of nutrition—the milkweed plant. In fall, the fourth generation migrates thousands of miles to warmer climates like Mexico, where they band together in massive droves and hibernate in Oyamel trees.

But both ends of this life cycle are now being threatened. Farmers in the United States have begun using pesticides that kill off milkweed, and logging in Mexico continues to deplete the monarch habitat. The butterflies are facing trouble in each step of their growth.

I am writing in hopes that you will acknowledge this growing problem and devise a strategy to save our majestic monarch from further destruction.

Thank you.