The Colorado Pollinator Workgroup consists of representation from commercial pesticide applicators, beekeepers, county land managers, Colorado State University, pesticide registrants, EPA, CDA and other interested stakeholders.
The Colorado Pollinator Workgroup's mission is to:
Establish open communication between the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Beekeeping Associations, Pesticide Applicators and other identified stakeholders to clarify and communicate: existing practices being used by all stakeholders to prevent pollinator decline, updates on research, updates in new equipment and practices, identify existing communication paths between all stakeholders, identify areas for improved communication and identify new ways for communication.
The following document, Operational Guidelines to Avoid Pesticide Related Bee Kills for Aerial Applicators and Beekeepers, was originally developed by Aerial applicators and beekeeping associations in the 90's. The Colorado Pollinator Workgroup, which was established in May 2011, updated this document in 2012. Many of the application and communication guidelines recommended here, although directed toward aerial applicators and beekeepers in this document, can be applied to all pesticide application situations. The CDA encourages all pesticide applicators and beekeepers to communicate and work together when pesticide applications need to occur in close proximity to known apiary sites.
Colorado Department of Agriculture's DRAFT Managed Pollinator Protection Plan Guidelines
These guidelines have been reviewed through the Colorado Department of Agriculture's Pesticide Advisory Committee which has representatives from the commercial pesticide applicator industry, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Colorado State University, pesticide formulators, organic growers, agricultural workers, the general public and beekeepers. This document remains in a draft form currently for future considerations. This document is a guideline of best practices to avoid and prevent impacts to pollinators. The guidelines are not set in law and are not enforceable.
Managed Pollinator Protection Plan (MP3)
CSU's Pollinator Protection Program
If you have any questions, please contact John Scott.
John W. Scott
Pesticides Program Section Chief