Preserving Colorado's Buzz: New Study Urges Urgent Action to Protect Native Pollinators
Preserving Colorado's Buzz: New Study Urges Urgent Action to Protect Native Pollinators Colorado, a haven for over 1,000 bee species and nearly 300 butterfly species, faces a critical juncture in preserving its native pollinator populations. The recently unveiled 308-page Colorado Native Pollinating Insects Health Study, a comprehensive first of its kind, sheds light on the challenges threatening these vital contributors to the state's ecosystems and agricultural systems. Authorized under SB22-199 and signed into law by Governor Jared Polis, the study paints a concerning picture despite the state's impressive bee diversity. Shockingly, Colorado ranks 5th nationally for honey bee die-offs, signaling a pressing need for immediate action. Habitat loss, pesticides, climate change, non-native plants, and certain land management practices emerge as the primary culprits behind the decline in native pollinating insects. The study's findings underscore the urgency to protect and...