The Vote

Because I couldn’t bear to listen to election results,  I planned a turkey hunt for last week. (No I didn’t shoot any turkeys, but I actually did see some!) It was the prefect time for it. The cool, but sunny weather was perfect for walkabouts and the crystal clear evenings were perfect for star-gazing. Eventually, however, I had to come home to find out the results. I’m sure many of you are disappointed — as I am — and are worried now about America’s direction on conservation and pollinators.

My research tells me that President-Elect Trump says he is a conservationist. His sons are hunters. He says he believes national parks and wilderness areas belong in federal hands. He has actually given a number of conservation easements on his land holdings. Unfortunately because he’s told so many outright lies during his campaign, it’s difficult to know the truth or what actions he actually will take.

President-Elect Trump said he would undo all of President Obama’s work. Although he certainly could change his mind about that campaign statement, this means that President Obama’s Executive Orders on:

• the National Strategy to Promote the Health of Honey Bees and Other Pollinators
• the federal strategy to promote the health of honey bees and other pollinators
• Mitigating Impacts on Natural Resources from Development and Encouraging Related Private Investment

could be in jeopardy. Thankfully, the FAST Act was passed by Congress, so the federal law encouraging pollinator habitat along roadsides should stay intact.

It is now up to us more than ever to stay vigilant; to stay in contact with our congressmen; and to express our thoughts about what legislation is needed to preserve and conserve native plants and natural landscaping.

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