U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, announced on February 12th that the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) created by the 2014 Farm Bill will, with its partners across the nation, have up to $720 million to grant toward projects that will help communities support … [Read more...]
Roadside Right-of-Ways
Good news! Recently the federal Highway Trust Fund was renewed through the FAST Act with the provision encouraging pollinator habitat along roadsides intact (HR 22, Sec 1415). It is encouraging to know that the FAST Act with the Highways BEE Act (HR 2738) included was overwhelmingly approved by … [Read more...]
Good News for Western Monarchs
The news from Xerces Society is that the count for the wintering western monarchs is up from last season. Just a little, but it still warrants a hurrah! I'm anxious to hear the count for the monarchs in their Mexico winter quarters. On Feb 25th 2-3pm EST, Monarch Joint Venture and the National … [Read more...]
Central Sands of Wisconsin
There is a bill before the Wisconsin Assembly which has the potential to affect the groundwater in the Central Sands of Wisconsin. As I understand Assembly Bill 874, approval will further erode the DNR's ability to monitor pumping of groundwater from deep water wells. This leads to a potential to … [Read more...]
On the Horizon
This is old news, but I wanted to share this because it makes me so hopeful for the future. On May 19, 2015, the White House issued the National Strategy to Promote the Health of Honey Bees and Other Pollinators. Preserving, restoring and establishing native plant communities is the most effective … [Read more...]