On December 16th, tell the Minnesota
Department of Agriculture:
Be a #MNpollinatorhero!
The
Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has shown its interest in pollinator
health by launching a review of neonicotinoids and calling on every Minnesotan
to be a #MNpollinatorhero. On December 16th, join us in calling on MDA to
become a true #MNpollinatorhero by restricting or suspending neonicotinoid
pesticides, which are a driving cause of pollinator losses.
When: Tuesday, December 16th, 11am
Where: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
**parking and transit directions are below**
What: We'll gather outside MDA for a few brief speakers & colorful
performances (please come bundled and ready for about 20 minutes outside!).
Then, we'll march together into the MDA building to deliver a basket of
pollinator-dependent foods that grow here in Minnesota. This basket represents
our gratitude for the work that MDA has done so far, and our hopes that the
Agency will suspend neonics in its current review.
*Please wear yellow, orange, and black if you can; bee and
butterfly costumes and bee suits are encouraged!*
Why: Pollinators are in trouble. In recent years, Minnesota beekeepers
have lost upwards of 50% of their honey bee colonies annually. Native bees and
butterflies are also facing dangerous decline. These losses threaten
Minnesota's agricultural economy, including many delicious Minnesota-grown food
that rely on pollinators, like apples, melons, cucumbers, squash, strawberries,
apricots, berries--and of course, honey!
According to independent scientists, systemic insecticides like
neonicotinoids are a driving factor in declining bee populations. And
neonicotinoids aren't just harming insect pollinators: birds, fish, and plants
that are important for Minnesota hunting, fishing, and outdoor communities are
also at risk, because neonics impact entire ecosytems.
Right now, decision-makers at the Minnesota Department of
Agriculture are reviewing neonicotinoids and considering whether to restrict or
suspend these pesticides. Beekeepers, gardeners, farmers, and many others who
love Minnesota-grown food are delivering a message to MDA: be a
#MNpollinatorhero and suspend neonicotinoids!
Can't be in St. Paul on December 16th? Join our efforts
by posting on Facebook or Twitter using the #MNpollinatorhero hashtag.
•
.@MNAgriculture thank you
for reviewing neonics! Please be a #MNPollinatorHero &
suspend bee-harming pesticides! #saveourbees
•
Data from 800+ ind. studies finds "neonics pose serious risk of
harm to honeybees, pollinators" http://bit.ly/1lzN9fc #MNPollinatorHero
•
Neonic pesticides harm pollinators w/o increasing yield. Time for
action, @MNAgriculture! http://1.usa.gov/1uckhy9 #MNPollinatorHero
Sponsored by Pesticide Action Network; Healthy
Bees Healthy Lives; Organic Consumers Association; Pollinatorfriendly.org; Honey Bee Club
of Stillwater
Parking & transit information:
Park and Ride: Free parking is available at Uni-Dale Mall at the Dale and University
Green Line stop. Take the train two stops East to Robert Street and the
MDA. 2.5 hour ticket for $1.75. For train schedule visit http://www.metrotransit.org/route/902
Parking at MDA: Metered parking is available at Centennial Parking Ramp at Columbus and
Central, and 14th Street Ramp, Lot U and Lot W, all on 14th Street between
Robert and Jackson, with rates of 1.25/hr.
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