Officials in Berrien County are exploring ways to protect the threatened monarch butterfly population.

Back in December, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services announced that the monarch butterfly should receive protection as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.

WSJM reports that a public comment period that ended in May is expected to lead to an official determination soon. In advance of any possible regulations, the Berrien County Road Department is looking to partner with the County Road Association to ensure the right to maintain their county roads, and also protect the milkweed that provides the main source of food for the monarch butterflies.

Approval of the partnership is pending.