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ODOT field team honored for monarch habitat work along state rights-of-way
Summary
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation's Field District 1 was presented a Habitat Stewardship Award for expanding monarch butterfly habitat on state right-of-way lands, citing 815 annually adopted acres in the district and nearly 1,500 milkweed stems contributed to a statewide total exceeding 16,000 adopted acres.
Joe Brescia presented the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s Habitat Stewardship Award to Field District 1 for its monarch butterfly habitat conservation work.
The award recognized District 1’s adoption of vegetation management practices and identification of additional ODOT-owned lands to support pollinators. "For the '24 and '25 monarch season, the environmental programs division recognizes Field District 1 and their maintenance team for its outstanding efforts," Brescia said, citing the district’s stewardship that resulted in 815 annually adopted right-of-way acres and nearly 1,500 milkweed stems.
Officials said the district’s work contributes to ODOT’s statewide total of more than 16,000 adopted acres under the Monarch Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA). Secretary Gatz and Commissioners acknowledged the multi-year effort and noted the program's partnership approach; Brescia said ODOT collaborates with 79 partner agencies nationwide.
The presentation highlighted coordination between maintenance and environmental divisions to balance transportation safety and pollinator habitat goals. Commissioners applauded the district representatives who accepted the award. The commission did not take any formal action tied to policy or funding during the presentation.
