Over the past few years, bees and other pollinators have been disappearing from America, reportsThe Rural Blog. Last year the Obama administration called for a national strategy to protect these insects. Bees are essential to many crops, and most states agreed to develop pollinator protection plans. However, according to the Pollinator Stewardship Council, which tracks the process, few states have followed through on their promise.
Of High Plains states, only Colorado has developed and published a pollinator protection plan. In Texas, plans are in discussion with appropriate agencies, but no action has been taken.
Oklahoma, too, is “having internal discussions and looking at plans from other states.” No action has been taken there, either. Kansas has asked apiaries to voluntarily register through DriftWatch. DriftWatch is a communication tool that helps crop producers, beekeepers, and pesticide applicators work together to protect specialty crops and apiaries.