States Abuzz with Pollinator Protection Measures - The Edge from the National Association of Landscape Professionals

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States Abuzz with Pollinator Protection Measures

Protecting pollinators such as honey bees and monarch butterflies has been a popular topic in state legislatures nationwide this year. According to information posted by the Pollinator Stewardship Council, 25 states either have already created or are developing a Managed Pollinator Protection Plan. Many of these plans follow the guidelines for Pollinator Protection issued last year by the White House Pollinator Health Task Force. That report recognizes the complexity of colony collapse disorder and pollinator health decline and recognizes multiple factors such as varroa mites, declines in foraging habitat, nutrition, and misappropriate use of pesticides as possible contributing factors.

In addition, several states have taken action on legislation designed to better protect honey bees and other pollinators. The Vermont Senate recently passed a bill that would create a multidisciplinary Pollinator Protection Committee. The committee would be composed of 10 members and include appointees representing the interests of beekeepers, university researchers, agriculture, and the landscape industry. The bill, which originated in the House, now returns to the house chamber for concurrence. According to the provisions of the bill, if enacted the state would appoint members to the Pollinator Protection Committee and charge the group to ā€œevaluate the status in Vermont of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s five pillars of pollinator health. The five pillars of pollinator health are: pollinator biology; nutrition and habitat; pathogens and pests; pesticide use; and genetics and breedingā€, and to develop plans to address any current shortcomings in state law or regulation.

In Connecticut last week, the legislative Planning and Development Committee approved a wide-ranging bill aimed at improving the health and habitats of pollinators. The bill would reclassify neonics as a restricted use pesticide for outdoor use and prohibit their use on linden or basswood trees. It would also require the state Agricultural Experiment Station to develop a citizenā€™s guide on pollinator habitat, and make the state Department of Transportation plant flowering vegetation along deforested areas of state highway. The legislation now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

Eighteen states have already concluded their 2016 legislative cycles and another 23 are scheduled to wrap up by mid-June. However, there are still a number of states that are considering legislation that could impact landscape professionals. NALP monitors legislation of interest to its members in all 50 states and works closely with state associations to coordinate legislative strategy as needed. To learn more about NALP efforts and resources related to state advocacy, or to get involved as an active voice for your professional interests, contact Paul Mendelsohn, NALP Vice President of Government Relations.