MADISON – Today, in conjunction with National Pollinator Week (June 19-25, 2023) Representative Lee Snodgrass (D-Appleton), introduced the Pollinator Protection bill package. Included in co-authoring the legislation are: Representative Considine D-Baraboo), Representative Andraca (D-Whitefish Bay), Senator Agard (D-Madison), Senator Pfaff (D-Onalaska), Senator Smith (D-Brunswick), Sen. Larson (D-Milwaukee) and Representative Oldenburg (R-Viroqua) . The “pollinator legislators” were joined by community beekeepers and pollinator advocates from across the state.
The package of bills addresses protecting and encouraging the health of our pollinators and their habitats, from the endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bees to butterflies and more. In Wisconsin, pollinators account for over $55 million in crop production, and $3.5 million in honey and beeswax production. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Wisconsin is one of only 19 states that do not have existing laws protecting pollinator health.
Representative Snodgrass released the following statement:
“Each year we see additional impacts of threats to our pollinators and their habitats. The Rusty Patched Bumblebee, native to Wisconsin, is the first bee placed on the endangered species list. This should serve as a resounding wake-up call to all communities, especially places like Wisconsin, whose economy is dependent on healthy ecosystems for agriculture and farmers. The importance of our pollinators and protecting their habitats is one of the few areas of universal agreement these days. I am proud to introduce this expanded package of bills which will further the state’s efforts to ensure that pollinator habitats are healthy and thriving. From prioritization of native perennials, reducing use of neonicotinoids, or the creation of a new pollinator license plate, these bills will make a positive impact on raising awareness of pollinator importance and the steps we can each take to ensure their vitality.”
