Managed Pollinator Protection Plans Working Group

Project Director: Ana Heck — Michigan State University

Appreciation and concern for pollinators are in the public consciousness, but progress in improving pollinator health has been limited. In response to concerns about pollinator health, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provided guidance for states and tribes to develop managed pollinator protection plans (MP3s). The objective of these plans was to identify and implement ways to protect pollinators by reducing pollinator exposure to pesticides through integrated pest management (IPM) and best practice recommendations. The plans were designed to foster local strategies to promote pollinator health through communication, cooperation, and collaboration.
 
Progress made toward achieving steps in MP3s has faced challenges and has varied by state and tribe. A primary obstacle to progress on these plans is a lack of national-level direction and collaboration, resulting in each state or tribe working independently. To address this obstacle, our Managed Pollinator Protection Plans Working Group was formally established in March 2020 with funding received from the North Central IPM Center. This working group has addressed the pollinator health crisis by facilitating a coordinated effort for professionals working on MP3s to learn from each other, share resources, and eliminate redundant efforts.

Pollinator education for pesticide applicators fits within the MP3 strategies, as many MP3 action plans place heavy emphasis on training pesticide applicators on integrated pest management (IPM) and best management practices. On a national scale, there is a need for increased programming and resources about pollinator IPM for pesticide applicator training.  

By providing information about pollinator IPM to pesticide users, we expect to increase the understanding of topics related to MP3s and IPM. Pesticide applicators who adapt these suggested principles will reduce pesticide exposure to honey bees and other pollinators. Overall, we expect our project to lead to a greater adoption of IPM strategies, a reduction in pesticide use, and an increase in overall pollinator health.

 

Achievements

  • Provides collaboration between states developing and implementing pollinator protection plans
  • Created pesticide applicator training materials focused on pollinator protection:
  • Delivered a symposium with 13 presenters was part of the Entomological Society Association meeting in November 2022 in Vancouver

Learn more on the Managed Pollinator Protection Plans Working Group website.