Great news for pollinators in WA state! The Governor signed SB 5253 into law this spring, establishing an impactful pollinator health policy.
Did you know that pollinator species are critical to our wild spaces and agriculture? In addition to over 400 different species of native bees and the non-native honey bee, butterflies, moths, wasps, flies and hummingbirds play a key role in food security, human welfare and environmental health in WA state. Pollinator losses are a local, as well as global problem.
The new law adopts the recommendations developed by the Pollinator Health Task Force, which began its work in December 2019 and submitted its final report to the WA legislature last November. I have the pleasure of serving on the task force with a wide array of stakeholders from scientists to landscapers to beekeepers.
Some of the new law’s accomplishments: prohibit the use of non-native bumblebees in open agriculture (to avoid the introduction of invasive pollinator pests and diseases, as well as other threats to native bees); requiring a survey of native bee species and their distribution; and other actions, plans and targets to protect and bolster pollinator habitat in urban as well as natural areas.
To learn more about how YOU can protect and encourage pollinators, visit: Bees and Pollinators | OSU Extension Service (oregonstate.edu)
For information on WA’s Pollinator Health Policy, which goes into effect July 25, 2021, visit the Pollinator Health Task Force website: https://agr.wa.gov/departments/insects-pests-and-weeds/insects/apiary-pollinators/pollinator-health/task-force
To read the recommendations for protecting pollinators in the new law: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5253&Year=2021&Initiative=false
VERDURE 