It is fitting this day on which the Summer Soltice begins to write about what the State of Minnesota is doing for pollinators. Minnesota has just adopted legislation to develop a one-year program to assist homeowners interested in making their yards into habitat for pollinators and especially the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis) and other at-risk species under the Endangered Species Act. The Lawns to Legumes grant program will be ready to implement in 2020.
Funding
Homeowners who wish to participate will need to develop pollinator-friendly yards. In exchange, they will receive up to 75 percent of their expense incurred for the transformation. In areas identified crucial for the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, homeowners can receive up to 90 percent reimbursement.
Details are being worked out by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, so keep an eye on their website for updates.
For more historical details on the “Environment Omnibuzz bill,” go to Bee in his bonnet: MNHouse Enviro Finance lead Dan Fabian bags on new pollinator programs.
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