Minnesota's Pollinator Action Framework
Thank you to everyone who contributed ideas in 2022 for pollinator protection in Minnesota. Read the draft action framework incorporating many of your ideas here: DRAFT Minnesota Pollinator Action Framework.
The second round to share ideas and feedback on the pollinator action framework is closed. We are reviewing the input we received from the public and working on the final document.
Pollinators are essential for our food, lands and wildlife, economy, and way of life. But, many pollinator species are in decline. This is a difficult problem and will require action by Minnesotans across the state. We, the InteragencyContinue reading
Thank you to everyone who contributed ideas in 2022 for pollinator protection in Minnesota. Read the draft action framework incorporating many of your ideas here: DRAFT Minnesota Pollinator Action Framework.
The second round to share ideas and feedback on the pollinator action framework is closed. We are reviewing the input we received from the public and working on the final document.
Pollinators are essential for our food, lands and wildlife, economy, and way of life. But, many pollinator species are in decline. This is a difficult problem and will require action by Minnesotans across the state. We, the Interagency Pollinator Protection Team, are developing an action framework to restore pollinator health in Minnesota.
The key questions:
- How can we learn more about pollinator species and populations?
- How can our lands better support pollinators?
- How can we ensure pesticides are used judiciously and only when necessary?
- How can we raise public awareness and spur action for pollinators?
You can still see the ideas and comments we received for the pollinator action framework on the sections below.
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Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.
We want to hear from you!
After reading the DRAFT Minnesota Pollinator Action Framework, please use the space below to share your feedback with us. Some questions to consider are:
- Will the actions included in the draft answer the key questions above?
- Are there any other ideas that should be included to help pollinators?
- Are there any other ideas that should be included to help Minnesotans understand, value, and care about pollinators?
Lee Ann L.about 1 year agoI'm a member of 3 pro-pollinator groups. It'd be great if there was an even more-coherent comm plan and work efforts. Many orgs to involve!
A better, integrated communications plan
0 comment0Shawnabout 1 year agoI feel we need a post-inspection for when private pesticide applicators spray pesticides to verify compliance with rules and regulations.
Government agencies inspect food establishments and also verify building codes are followed (for example). When a company sprays for mosquitoes (for instance) at a private residence or company, I would like to see an inspection program in place whereby a post treatment inspection is performed by a state agency to verify compliance with rules and regulations.
0 comment1ARabout 1 year agoIncrease capacity for habitat management
Under 1.1.3 or 1.2 an enact action-- "Increase capacity to conduct long-term management of existing pollinator habitat on public land and private land easements." There are a lot of great action ideas for installation of new habitat in underutilized spaces, enhancing degraded or marginal habitat, and addressing current habitat problem areas (e.g. seed availability. However the benefits of restoration and permanent protection of land to pollinators are lessened if there aren't enough people to conduct or facilitate the long term, continual management needed to maintain pollinator habitat quality. "Management" per se may be implicit to some of the actions covering restoration/enhancement, but given capacity for habitat quality evaluation is called out in 1.2.2 it seems reasonable to also include an explicit call for increased capacity for habitat quality management, which is another big bottleneck faced by land managing entities. A lot of land, not enough people to steward it sufficiently. In addition to capacity, using the action framework to promote the importance of and need for allocating funding toward continued management on land that's already been restored (and may be pretty good quality!) vs. the historic bias toward funding the initial restoration/enhancement work could also be valuable.
0 comment0Flyhaabout 1 year agoEarlier pollinator plants vs No Mow May
I pretty much hate NMM because it's quite ugly and doesn't necessarily solve the problem. I would promote people planting more early bloomers instead - azaleas, crocus, snowdrops, etc
0 comment1Flyhaabout 1 year agoCheap or free seeds & starters
Provide this to communities to help ensure the correct or desired plants are added to habitat
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Desired outcome - Healthy pollinators
over 1 year agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.CLOSED: first round of sharing ideas has concluded.
State agencies in Minnesota work to protect pollinators. Together they are taking action to restore pollinator health in our state. For instance:
- The Minnesota Zoological Garden established the only managed rearing and breeding program for the threatened Dakota skipper, and has led efforts to reintroduce this butterfly in their native range
- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources led statewide baseline bee surveys, which contribute to our understanding of bee diversity in Minnesota
JMalmost 2 years agoAllow/implement native plantings on boulevards.
Instead of sod, provide native seeds and/or ground covers (especially after nearby construction--currently St. Paul only provides sod and no assistance on other plantings).
0 comment8WPSalmost 2 years agoControl Invasive Plants that are out-competing the existing vegetation. See photo of Wild Parsnips, now common along many roads in SE MN
Invasive plants are disrupting the ecosystem in a major way. When the ditches and other lands are not maintained, the seeds get spread to the edges of fields, waterways, pastures, nature areas, etc. MnDOT, counties, cities, towns and landowners are NOT controlling these invasive plants! These plants should be mowed before they produce seeds, or other effective measures! I have been carefully managing them in my area, because the road authorities do not. When not managed as the photo shows, they can choke out the existing vegetation that is often in rural areas, pollinator and wildlife friendly.
2 comments7Prairie nerdalmost 2 years agoStop mowing highway verges
It has to start with government and I understand the need for fire prevention and safety but why do we mow so far back into roadside verges right when pollinators and birds are at their busiest? Surely most of the mowing can wait until later in the season?
0 comment14Youth Environmental Activists (YEA)almost 2 years agoEnvironmental awareness elective in public schools
Public schools should have an environmental awareness elective where the class can learn about the loss of native wildflowers in Minnesota and its effect on pollinators. At the end of the school year the class could get together and plant a small pollinator friendly garden.
0 comment6Blazing Starover 1 year agoOnline Educational Talks
Have the State (via universities, departments, etc) host monthly online educational talks from researchers, authors, professors, professionals(....), about their work in protecting pollinators, natural lands, etc. Have these talks open to the public to watch.
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Minnesota's lands support pollinators
over 1 year agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.CLOSED: first round of sharing ideas has concluded
The loss and fragmentation of habitat is one of the major contributors for pollinator declines. For instance, from the prairie that once covered one-third of Minnesota, only a little over 1% remains. As a result, pollinators that depend on prairies have declined.
Understanding pollinator habitat needs is complex because different pollinator species have different requirements. Still, state agencies are working together to help protect, restore, and enhance habitat for pollinators. For example:
- The Board of Water and Soil Resources, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Natural Resources partner to update state seed mixes that meet pollinator and wildlife needs
- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture developed a program that provides assistance to farmers who want to manage their land to protect and conserve wildlife and water quality
The Rusty Patchalmost 2 years agoTax incentives for sustainable land stewardship; set minimum 50 % native plant coverage; stop mowing roadsides
Land stewardship incentives should be extended to include stormwater mitigation measures on private land as well.
0 comment5White Pineover 1 year agoTownship pollinator habitat coordinators
Create positions in townships to educate their community, especially private landowners, about the installation and maintenance of pollinator habitat. Townships with high poverty rates could be prioritized as they have limited financial resources for spending on vegetation and may also have limited job opportunities.
0 comment1mn1almost 2 years agoPollinator Habitat on Field Margins
We live in the heart of ag country and many local farmers plant to the very edge of their properties since farming is their livelihood. However the result is thousands of acres of corn and beans with very little other plants growing between fields, between fields and road edges, and many farmers and other land owners are clearing more property each year. There is simply no where for pollinators to feed, lay eggs, or have a natural life cycle. It would be great to help encourage farmers and rural Minnesotans to plant pollinators plants, even on the edges of fields or road ditches.
0 comment4Joelalmost 2 years agoLegal Recognition of No Mow May
No Mow May can be given legal status, such that a municipality could be prevented from fining residents who don't mow.
0 comment5MQ125almost 2 years agoPlant pollinator friendly trees
Adding pollinator friendly trees in parks and other public areas have multiple benefits. We can plant fruit trees that provide food for the public and the pollinators. If Minnesota was one of the states that practiced botanical sexism, this is an opportunity to plant more female trees to help pollinators while reducing pollen. The UMN has a list of trees and shrubs that help pollinators.
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Minnesotans use pesticides judiciously and only when necessary
over 1 year agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.CLOSED: first round of sharing ideas has concluded
Pesticide use is one of the main factors affecting pollinator populations, because pollinators may be exposed to a wide range of pesticides. Still, pesticides can be an important tool for pest management and using integrated pest management (IPM) can help reduce harmful effects on pollinators.- State agencies are leading by example, using IPM on state-managed land
- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture promotes pollinator best management practices to pesticide users
Lauraalmost 2 years agoEducation! Neighbors around us use sprays without a second thought.Please provide easy to understand handouts listing approved/banned tools.
0 comment3Gingeralmost 2 years agoBan residential pesticide "fogging" by companies or individuals. Drift is inevitable and dangerous to pollinators, pets, and human health.
0 comment1JMalmost 2 years agoEducate people on our native insects, their lack of danger to people, and how to remove them from a home without using chemicals.
Promote curiosity rather than fear/disgust. Befriend your local box elder bug! (and his 1000 cousins).
0 comment2LD Reeckalmost 2 years agoRequire licensed pro to administer dicamba!
Do not allow general sale of herbicides-must have license to buy and administer.
0 comment1MCalmost 2 years agoStop all pesticide and herbicide use at the state, county and local levels. Increase awareness of cancer causes and endocrine disruption
Ban spraying of fields. Ban spraying of houses. Ban spraying for mosquitoes. Stop the dependence on chemical control of nature. It is a futile toxic endeavor. Teach the public that it is harmful with a major ad campaign on billboards and radio and internet.
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Minnesotans actively support pollinators
over 1 year agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.CLOSED: first round of sharing ideas has concluded
Minnesotans show their commitment to making our state a better place for pollinators in different ways. Yet, there are still challenges to reach diverse audiences and increase the level of public participation in pollinator policy and program development.
- The Environmental Quality Board has launched this engagement site to share more information and resources with the people of Minnesota, as well as to listen to the public about how to move this important work forward.
Blazing Starover 1 year agoPlant sales and sample gardens/yards
Have the city offer natives as a reduced cost to residents (Saint Louis Park did so this last year!). Have sample gardens throughout the city for residents to view (these can be listed on a city map, and can even be gardens of willing residents).
0 comment1The Rusty Patchalmost 2 years agoVisual examples on public property, require bee lawns/native plants on all new builds, work w/ media companies-show desired land use in ads
We mimic what we see, and what is promoted in ads and other visual media we consume. #changethescenery
0 comment5Bettyover 1 year agoSponsor seed exchanges
Have places for people to share seeds they have collected and get seeds from others on websites, public parks and picnic grounds, libraries, festivals, county fairs, etc.
0 comment0AFishInMNalmost 2 years agoVolunteer Opportunities
Add volunteer opportunities for people to collect native seeds, plant gardens, remove invasive species, etc. Volunteers who complete a certain number of hours could be invited to gatherings, meeting like-minded folks and celebrating achievements. Volunteering is good for mental health, and can build communities.
0 comment6JDLalmost 2 years agoHomeowner grants/greater visibility
Find/expand grant opportunities for homeowners to create pollinator gardens. Offer extra incentive if these gardens are in the front yard and include signage identifying as pollinator habitat.
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Who's Listening
Lifecycle
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First round: Open for ideas and feedback
Minnesota's Pollinator Action Framework has finished this stageThis consultation is open for contributions from July to August. We are welcoming ideas from the public to drive action to help pollinators
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Under review
Minnesota's Pollinator Action Framework has finished this stageThe Interagency Pollinator Protection Team will consider the ideas provided by the public for the pollinator action framework through August 31.
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Framework draft
Minnesota's Pollinator Action Framework has finished this stageThe Interagency Pollinator Protection Team will present the final draft to the Environmental Quality Board as part of the 2022 pollinator annual report.
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Second round: Open for feedback on draft framework
Minnesota's Pollinator Action Framework has finished this stageIndividuals and organizations can provide feedback on the final draft of the framework from January 30 to March 15, 2023.
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Second round: Under review
Minnesota's Pollinator Action Framework is currently at this stageThe Interagency Pollinator Protection Team reviews the feedback shared by the public for the pollinator action framework
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Final pollinator action framework released
this is an upcoming stage for Minnesota's Pollinator Action FrameworkFinal Minnesota pollinator action framework document projected to be released by the end of summer 2023.