Star in Your Own "Bee Movie"

Editorial comment by Arkansas NRCS State Conservationist Kalven L. Trice

Little Rock, Ark., Nov. 13, 2007 – The newest animated movie for (adults and) children focuses on social and biological dramas of the insect world. "The Bee Movie" graphically and comically portrays the many dangers and frustrations honey bees must endure and shows what sacrifices are required to put honey on the grocer’s shelf. Hollywood movies aside, I must tell you that the dangers and perils that native bees and our environment face from the decline of valuable pollinators are a very real problem.

In our real-world scenario, the plot is more complex than insect romances and honey heists. The "Colony Collapse Disorder" (CCD) has caused massive losses and declines in honey bee populations. Our native bees have also seen serious population declines. At least 185 species of pollinators are considered threatened or extinct. Land use changes and human activities have destroyed and fragmented many native pollinator habitats by reducing food sources and needed protection. In addition, excessive or improper pesticide use has upset the delicate balance nature needs to function properly.

Many state and federal agencies across the nation like the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Forest Service have stepped up program and informational resources to address the issue and offer solutions. NRCS’ Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) offers financial incentives to producers who enhance habitat by planting sequentially-blooming species that establish an array of plants that will flower and support bees and other pollinators throughout the growing season. Congress declared June 24-30, 2007 "National Pollinator Week" to bring the issue and its importance to private landowners nationwide.

Why should we be concerned? We need pollinators. About 75% of crop plants are pollinated by billions of animals/insects every year. Those crops sustain agriculture, our economy, and life as we know it. Pollinators are not just honey bees or native bumble bees. Don’t forget butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, bats and hummingbirds. There’s a whole small-scaled, Discovery Channel world out there that revolves around the extensive and critical job of crop pollination—a $3 billion annual business. It’s something we often take for granted.

Many times we make decisions or take actions that spell disaster or certain death for an entire cast of critical characters out in the fields or in the microscopic jungle that makes up your backyard. If Congress is taking notice of it, then we all should do the same.

As owners and stewards of the land, it is our responsibility to manage our natural resources in a manner that allows us to achieve our production goals while protecting the rich and diverse qualities and properties of this fertile nation. By protecting pollinators, we protect our ability to grow food. If you enjoy eating walnuts, almonds, cherries, peaches, oranges, watermelon, pumpkins and tomatoes, then you should be interested in pollinators.

Whether you are a large commodity producer or a small and diverse organic farmer or even a suburban homeowner, you can play a role in saving the storyline of your own "Bee Movie" right here in Arkansas.

1. Plant appropriate vegetation. Use practices and create habitat that sustains or enhances pollinators on the farm and in the yard over the whole growing season.

2. Use pesticides carefully on and off the farm. Keep your operation one that is pollinator-friendly.

3. Protect flowering plants and potential pollinator nest sites--areas of undisturbed ground and native vegetation.

4. Avoid importation of non-native bees that could become invasive species.

Do your part to help solve the insect drama that’s taking place here in Arkansas at this very moment. By taking action to diversify and beautify your property, YOU could be the hero who saves the day and ensures a happy ending for everyone.

For more information on pollinators and what you can do, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov.

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