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 Share your feedback on the draft Minnesota Pollinator Action Framework on Facebook Share Share your feedback on the draft Minnesota Pollinator Action Framework on Twitter Share Share your feedback on the draft Minnesota Pollinator Action Framework on Linkedin Email Share your feedback on the draft Minnesota Pollinator Action Framework 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?
ARabout 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 comment1Lee Ann L.about 1 year agoSince so much of habitat enhancement is on private lands, I agree that there need to be more INCENTIVES for individuals to take actions.
Need more than Lawns to Legumes
0 comment0Jaimeabout 1 year agoEducate public about lighting influence on pollinators and birds
There's a general lack of knowledge on the effects of light pollution on pollinators. We could start with all public buildings. Great example: Splitrock lighthouse facilities have over bright LED lighting that can be seen across the little bay. Fix those facilities with educational info buy the new lighting.
0 comment1Lee Ann L.about 1 year agoEmployees of nurseries and Big Box stores need more awareness of whether their plants are neonic treated or pollinator-friendly varieties.
appropriate bedding plant sales
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Share Desired outcome - Healthy pollinators on Facebook Share Desired outcome - Healthy pollinators on Twitter Share Desired outcome - Healthy pollinators on Linkedin Email Desired outcome - Healthy pollinators link
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
SJQalmost 2 years agoStricter regulations on plants that can be sold at retail outlets
Why are we still selling invasive plants and seeds?? If it's not native it should have more restrictions. Anything proven to spread uncontrollably should be banned. Invasives destroy just as much pollinator habitat as chemicals! No reason these retail nurseries can't sell native plants.
1 comment15WPSalmost 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 comments7Joelalmost 2 years agoReduce Insecticides / Conserve Habitat
Any realistic attempt to protect pollinators has to be willing to have the serious conversation about dramatically reducing or banning insecticides, particularly neonicitinoids and glyphosphate. Increasingly microplastics, too, accumulate inside insect bodies. Additionally, land must be committed to habitat conservation. Without pesticide-free, intact habitat, pollinator preservation will not succeed in the long term.
0 comment6Cgreystokealmost 2 years agoDo not reseed with grass
After construction projects that require replacing ground cover do not use grass seed. Use an alternative such as Dutch clover ,which also requires less water.
0 comment13Jaimealmost 2 years agoPollinator passageway for Rare and Endangered Pollinators
Our native prairie is where rare species reside. These habitat patches are becoming more and more isolated. Where we have isolated populations of pollinators we should create an intentional passageway to facilitate movement genetic mixing. This can be through easements or land purchases.
2 comments8 -
Share Minnesota's lands support pollinators on Facebook Share Minnesota's lands support pollinators on Twitter Share Minnesota's lands support pollinators on Linkedin Email Minnesota's lands support pollinators link
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
Frogtown Greenalmost 2 years agoBuild the Bee Line!
Support replacement of turf grass along Pierce Butler Route in St Paul with pollinator-friendly, native plantings. Result: more pollinators, less pollution, fewer mowings, money saved! Win-win-win-win!
0 comment0Judyalmost 2 years agoMinimally mow lawns, public spaces, roadsides and medians.
Convert lawns to prairie species, only minimally mow along highways. Right now it seems like highway roadsides are mowed when flowers are at peak blossoming stages.
0 comment4JDLalmost 2 years agoLandscaping at state buildings
Require landscaping at all state buildings to be all native and/or pollinator-friendly.
0 comment5AutumnBlazeover 1 year agoBoulevard Gardens
Allow city residents to plant pollinator and wildflower gardens on their boulevards instead of grass.
0 comment1Salalmost 2 years agoPollinator strips
Give tax breaks to farmers willing to add strips of pollinator habitat through large acreage for pollinators. Doesn't have to be huge, but many farms are ecological deserts otherwise with only one main plant growing there.
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Share Minnesotans use pesticides judiciously and only when necessary on Facebook Share Minnesotans use pesticides judiciously and only when necessary on Twitter Share Minnesotans use pesticides judiciously and only when necessary on Linkedin Email Minnesotans use pesticides judiciously and only when necessary link
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
The Rusty Patchalmost 2 years agoEliminate pesticides and switch to compost tea - weeds indicate soil health. Improve the soil by reducing compression (mowing, heavy equip)
Weeds grow best in anaerobic, compressed soil - Improve soil health by leaving the leaves, reducing/eliminating mowing, ensuring diverse plantings, and using compost tea instead of pesticides.
0 comment0Joelalmost 2 years agoProhibit Residential Pesticide Applications
Residential use of pesticides for aesthetic, non-agricultural purposes is completely incompatible with the goal of increasing pollinator populations. Such pesticide use should be banned at municipal, county, and state level.
2 comments2JMalmost 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 comment2Blazing Staralmost 2 years agoEducational Signage and Links
Create free yard signage for citizens with QR codes to education about IPM practices, beneficial insects, consequences of using pesticides, etc.
0 comment0KJOW1313almost 2 years agono use of pesticides would benefit more than bees/reduce invasive species by natural removal.
the reduced run off in lakes would benefit the water systems as well.
0 comment0 -
Share Minnesotans actively support pollinators on Facebook Share Minnesotans actively support pollinators on Twitter Share Minnesotans actively support pollinators on Linkedin Email Minnesotans actively support pollinators link
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.
JMalmost 2 years agoCreate sample pollinator gardens at every park/city or state property
Include a sign directing people to a website to gather information/assistance/advice.
0 comment5JDLalmost 2 years agoYouth organizations
Develop programming in partnership with youth organizations like Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, YMCA, etc. to educate and potentially facilitate pollinator projects.
0 comment1SJQalmost 2 years agoEvery public school should have a pollinator habitat that is maintained by the students.
Public schools should have a pollinator habitat that is maintained by a certain grades science class as part of the curriculum. They can identify plants, weed, collect seeds, document pollinators and other wildlife. Learn the benefits all parts played in the balance of an ecosystem. If something seems out of balance, brainstorm what is missing in the ecosystem and how to correct the imbalance naturally(too many aphids, need to attract predators, etc).
1 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.
0 comment1JMalmost 2 years agoPresent educational events at local libraries/rec centers
Have a special display of materials (books, etc.) at libraries and rec centers
0 comment1
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.