2020 State Protection Plan Update

Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor | Basil Seggos, Commissioner | Richard Ball, Commissioner

State Initiatives NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Apiary Program an increase in the number of colonies found to be positive with America The Department of Agriculture and Markets Foulbrood disease. Inspectors found and (AGM) currently employs a state apiculturist and destroyed 139 colonies owned by 14 three seasonal apiary inspectors, stationed on beekeepers across 12 counties infected Long Island and in Wayne and Schoharie with AFB. (2020) Counties, with assigned territories within New York’s 62 counties. The Department ● Certified approximately 48,146 colonies estimates that there are approximately 3,000 to exit the state in the fall by inspecting beekeepers in the state. These range from large approximately 4,800 colonies or 10% of commercial migratory operations with more than the colonies destined for out-of-state 200 colonies to hobbyists with just a few shipment, in 2019. The number of colonies. The large commercial operations tend migratory colonies rose slightly in 2020 to be in the rural parts of the state, but the with 49,079 colonies certified to leave smaller operations can be found anywhere, the state. including heavily populated areas of the state, ● Implemented a new program, inspecting such as New York City and Long Island. starter unit colonies (nucleus colonies or The Apiary Inspection Program focuses on the nucs) for American Foulbrood disease inspection of commercial migratory beekeepers that are for sale to other New York State who require inspection certificates for interstate beekeepers. In the spring of 2019, over transportation of their colonies, health 2,160 nucs were certified in 47 New York certification of nucleus colonies (nucs) and beekeeping operations. The number of queens produced within the state, and general nucs certified in New York continued to inspections to ensure the health of New York’s rise in 2020, as more nuc producers population within apiaries of all sizes. become aware of the inspection From 2019 to 2020, the apiary program: requirements. In 2020, the Department saw an 86% increase in nuc production ● Inspected 455 apiaries and 8,387 with 70 operations issued certificates for colonies for American Foulbrood (AFB) 4,028 nucs. disease, as well as Varroa mites and Nosema. 114 colonies of bees, owned by National Honey Bee Survey 16 beekeepers, tested positive for American Foulbrood and were destroyed. Annually, USDA-APHIS funds a National Honey This is the fourth consecutive year with Bee Survey (Survey) with 37 states participating. an increased incidence of American The Survey has three goals: Foulbrood-diseased colonies. By way of 1. To identify potentially invasive pests such comparison, from 2010 to 2014 incidence as the exotic mite Tropilaelaps and of American Foulbrood (AFB) ranged problematic Apis species such as A. from three to eight cases a year. (2019) cerana;

● Saw an uptick in the number of apiaries 2. To continue an epidemiological survey to and colonies inspected, with 537 apiaries help develop a long-term overall baseline and 9,835 colonies inspected for AFB. picture of colony health; and For the fifth consecutive year, there was

2020 NEW YORK STATE POLLINATOR PROTECTION PLAN UPDATE 1 3. To identify risk and protective factors that Apiary Industry Advisory predict colony health and operational Committee success by correlating honey bee health measures over time with annual colony The pollinator health information that has been losses. The information collected is gathered over the years and the research, shared with each beekeeper, the inspection, and extension resources that have participating state, and is entered into the been devoted to the apiary industry have Bee Informed Partnership’s database. demonstrated the state’s strong commitment to . Upon release of the Pollinator AGM continues to work with the USDA/APHIS/ Protection Plan, AGM’s Commissioner Richard ARS to create a baseline of honey bee information Ball reconstituted and reinvigorated the Apiary for New York State and the United States. The Industry Advisory Committee (AIAC). The group Department surveys 19 beekeepers each year represents the diversity of apiary operations to develop a track record of each honey bee around the state by including beekeepers from a operation. Five of the beekeepers are sampled broad array of disciplines and geographic areas twice annually for a total of 24 samples collected. than had previously been represented. The inspectors collect bee and wax samples and these samples are sent to the USDA for analysis. The Commissioner has enhanced the AIAC’s The bee samples are examined for pests like role in providing the best information available to Varroa and Tropilaelaps mites and pathogens, the beekeeping community and policymakers, like the fungal disease Nosema, and nine viruses. and in making recommendations regarding The wax samples are sent to the USDA National pollinator protection efforts. As a result of Science Lab to be analyzed for pesticides. discussions with AIAC, the Department devoted a section of its website to information on honey The baseline results collected over the past eight bee health, including links to best management years have identified differences among the practices to avoid American Foulbrood and other various beekeepers’ operations. The results from educational resources. Recent declines in 2019 saw a positive trend where 67% of the pollinators have demonstrated to the industry beekeepers were able to keep their varroa mite the importance of education, inspection and the counts below the recommended threshold, which need for registration. AGM continues to support reduced virus pathogen load. Beekeepers who enhanced education through the Cornell exceeded the threshold were found to have University NY Beekeeper Tech Team, which, three or more viruses present in their samples. since 2016, has been working with beekeepers Also noted in the results were that virus levels, to improve honey bee health, reduce colony on average, were limited to 1.9 viruses for losses, and increase profitability of the stationary beekeepers but nearly doubled to an beekeeping industry. average of 3.3 viruses for beekeepers who were migratory. Migratory beekeepers were also A report from the NY Beekeeper Tech Team was found to have a greater number of pesticides, presented to the AIAC members along with a and at higher levels, than the stationary discussion of the literature review and research beekeepers who were sampled. The individual on the risks and benefits of neonicotinoids beekeepers receive their test results and the conducted by Cornell University. A draft revision Department compiles all the beekeepers’ results of Article 15 that included beekeeper registration and submits a final yearly report to the USDA/ was also discussed with AIAC members, with APHIS/ARS. This National Honey Bee Survey input and comments solicited. The apparent provided insight regarding problems New York increase in reported American Foulbrood cases, State beekeepers were experiencing in 2019, as well as new federal restrictions on the use of and as a result, AGM was able to recommend antibiotics, have resulted in increased concern different approaches beekeepers can use to among commercial and sideliner beekeepers. improve their bee operations. AGM responded to the AIAC indicating that the

2 2020 NEW YORK STATE POLLINATOR PROTECTION PLAN UPDATE Division of Industry (DAI) would have a periods for truckers transporting honey bees, role in its apiary program. DAI is now available closing of the Beltsville Bee Laboratory and to assist beekeepers by navigating the FDA alternative labs for disease diagnosis, pollinator veterinary feed directive regulations and habitat along roadsides and the lack of trained providing ongoing training for veterinarians in veterinarians to prescribe antibiotics for identifying and diagnosing honey bee diseases. American Foul Brood disease. AIAC meetings The AIAC members have also been engaged in are posted on the Department’s website to discussions on beekeeper registration, the expand information sharing among the state’s Federal Motor Carrier Act and mandated rest beekeepers. NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

The DEC continues to work with the NYS field season among staff on a volunteer basis. Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP) to create a In addition, NYNHP participated in a St. baseline of native pollinator information. Lawrence/Eastern Lake PRISM and NYNHP facilitates conservation of New York's Indian River Lakes Conservancy lecture series biodiversity by providing comprehensive on the project via webinar. This was part of their information and scientific expertise on rare “Pollinator Pathway” project. species and natural ecosystems to resource managers and other conservation partners. Preparing for Field Survey

The Natural Heritage Program currently has In spring 2020, NYNHP field crew scoped out over 15,000 observations for more than 1,200 sites for Malaise traps in the Adirondacks using species of pollinators and over 500 people known old-growth locations. NYNHP also submitting photos on its project iNaturalist page. worked with SUNY Cobleskill to identify the best NYNHP has made progress in the study of places to trap, including recon to several old- New York’s native pollinators through a number growth forest sites. Traps were set in three of mechanisms. Adirondack locations and three locations in central and western NY in May. The traps were Community Science and Partner checked weekly, accompanied by targeted Trainings netting, and removed the week of July 20.

In 2020, NYNHP conducted Zoom training on the NYNHP completed the 2020 extensive survey native pollinator survey and survey techniques to site screening and selection in April. Targeted the Central Pine Barrens Commission and other peatland survey sites were also selected in May interested parties. Information contained survey and the NYNHP field forms database was used goals, methods, and how to participate in the to locate known host plant species for rare survey, along with basic pollinator biology and specialist bees to inform the targeted species characteristics of the focal taxa. In 2020, NYNHP surveys. In May, NYNHP trained the statewide also conducted an in-person training for the pollinator field crew on field survey protocol, Adirondack Mountain Club Summit Stewards data collection, site navigation, logistical who assisted with targeted alpine habitat planning, expense reporting, and specimen pollinator surveys this summer. processing. NYNHP supervised and coordinated the work of the field crew. The statewide crew NYNHP also trained on methods to submit sampled in Great Lakes, High Allegheny photos to iNaturalist using a hand-held device or Plateau, St. Lawrence-Champlain Valley, and laptop and provided videos on field survey Northern Appalachian ecoregions by the end of techniques and specimen processing and June, completing surveys at 17 sites. pinning. NYNHP conducted webinars for staff in the spring, to increase participation in the 2020

2020 NEW YORK STATE POLLINATOR PROTECTION PLAN UPDATE 3 NYNHP conducted extensive surveys at Grafton Park, Moreau Lake State Park, Batten Kill State Lakes State Park, Stewart State Forest, and a Forest, Gee Brook State Forest, and Mount private farm in Cambridge, NY in the Lower New Pleasant State Forest. England/Northern Piedmont ecoregion as well as Knox Farm State Park and Evangola State NYNHP has also coordinated with Cornell Park. Heritage staff completed a targeted barrens University researchers trying to identify the best survey at Saratoga Sandplains WMA and targeted soil and seed mixes for roadside plantings around peatland surveys at Capital District WMA, New York. NYNHP worked with the NYSDOT to Partridge Run WMA, Pharaoh Lake Wilderness, set up an iNaturalist project to assist with their data and Shingle Shanty Preserve. Targeted species collection, the results of which can be used for the surveys were conducted at Grafton Lakes State Empire State Native Pollinator Survey as well. NYS Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP)

In 2016, New York State Parks received ● Plants for Hallock State Park Preserve – Environmental Protection Fund funding for the native plants were supplied to help the implementation of the New York State Pollinator Park establish a large pollinator garden Protection Plan. This funding was allocated towards 11 projects that enhanced native ● Plants for Heckscher State Park – native pollinator habitat and educated the public on the pollinator plants were used to change the diversity and importance of native pollinators. composition of an existing ornamental Since the funding was allocated, these projects bed have established habitat utilizing native plant ● Fencing and plants at Robert Moses materials and engaged the public in hands-on State Park – fencing was needed habitat management and education. Many of the because of a heavy deer browse problem projects remain ongoing as part of multi-year efforts to establish and maintain pollinator habitats. ● Plants for Orient Beach State Park – a small garden was created near the main Habitat Enhancement Efforts parking lot

Long Island Region ● Fencing and plants at Belmont Lake State Park – native pollinator plants were Multiple State Parks and Park Preserves planted in an existing bed near the The Long Island Region has been able to comfort station. In 2020, a fence was expand the pollinator garden project initiative. installed to protect the bed, which was Funding has been dedicated to signage and the not thriving due to high patron traffic. region has invested in equipment that allows the ● Plants for gardens at Sunken Meadow sign shop to produce high quality interpretive State Park and Connetquot River State signs in house. The region is planting new Park Preserve gardens in more parks and augmenting existing gardens with more plant materials. ● Plants for Valley Stream State Park – the Park has several ornamental beds. Staff have altered small gardens, such as the Plants were supplied to establish a native one at Heckscher State Park, and have taken on pollinator bed. More plants will be more ambitious projects, like a new 20’ x 60’ planted in the fall of 2020. garden at Hempstead Lake State Park. Below is a list of the Parks where existing gardens have been enhanced or new pollinator gardens installed.

4 2020 NEW YORK STATE POLLINATOR PROTECTION PLAN UPDATE ● Fencing and plants for Hempstead Lake Central New York Region State Park – the Hempstead Lake staff cleared a large area that was filled with Glimmerglass State Park invasive vines and shrubs. Fencing was At Glimmerglass State Park, a pollinator garden installed and in July the region hosted was planted by volunteers during an annual their first “Stewardship Saturday”, getting “I Love My Park” day event several years ago. the help of volunteers to plant over 150 The pollinator garden remains but has faced trees, shrubs, grasses and forbs. impacts from deer browse. One option under consideration is to transition the area from a Finger Lakes Region maintained garden to a pollinator wildflower field. Ganondagan State Historic Site Clark Reservation State Park Pollinator funding was used in the Finger Lakes Several years ago, a native pollinator garden Region to create signage explaining natural was planted by the Council of Park Friends and areas and include descriptions of various a local garden club. The park continues to pollinators or the plants they would pollinate. maintain this garden, which is located near the Local artists and park volunteers from nature center. The funding will be used to Ganondagan State Historic Site created visuals support interpretive signage for this garden. with Environmental Field Team staff that were Draft signs have been designed but the signs used along two trails at the historic site. have not yet been purchased. Signage for the Green Plants Trail is interactive because it describes flowering plants that can be Saratoga-Capital Region seen along the trail and invites the reader to be Saratoga Spa State Park interactive with the trailside in their search. Green Plants Trail signage was designed to Approximately 6 acres of habitat were enhanced match the original style and general content of with seed from native nectar plants. The plants pre-existing signs along a patron-favorite were specifically chosen to support the Karner connecting trail and is also tactile so it can be Blue butterfly (federally endangered) and the used for rubbings at site events, providing Frosted Elfin butterfly (state threatened), as well another layer of interaction for patrons to enjoy. as other pollinators. Maintenance and surveying are ongoing. Signage created by local artists is for use along trails that go through the largest section of The Creekside Classroom is an environmental grassland restoration on the site. These signs learning center at Saratoga Spa State Park. explain known species in the area and is Pollinator funding was used to create a rain accompanied by beautiful renderings of those garden and other native plantings at the species pictured within the habitat or separated classroom. In addition to supporting native out to examine them closer. One sign pollinators, the various gardens function as showcases pollinator species alongside larger beautification for the entrance, a raingarden to mammals with fire management taking place to capture and infiltrate stormwater, and the represent the full spectrum of the natural area. backdrop for a birdwatching area. Interpretive Another set of signs explain bird species that signage was installed to teach park patrons about can act as pollinators as well as the site history the rain gardens and native plants at the site. and Seneca Nation influence at Ganondagan.

2020 NEW YORK STATE POLLINATOR PROTECTION PLAN UPDATE 5 Grafton Lakes State Park Rockefeller State Park Preserve

The lawn area along the main entrance road at A website was created “Guide to Wild Bees of Grafton Lakes State Park has been converted New York featuring extensive photographic into a wildflower pollinator meadow. The area documentation, scientific classification, was solarized, tilled, and planted with native identification guides, and behavior and habitat species to establish pollinator habitat. Areas information on over 80 species of bees in the were reseeded in subsequent years to ensure Hudson Valley. In addition, a curated Wild Bees success of plant establishment. The wildflower exhibit has been on display in multiple locations meadow is near the Grafton Lakes Nature across the country. Center, so that educators can utilize the area for public programming. The project was considered At the main entrance, the park has been a demonstration project, enhancing visibility for removing invasives in a wetland swale and the public and providing a framework for such restoring with native species of wildflowers and plantings at other parks in the region. shrubs which support native pollinators and wildlife. This project has been supported by “I Taconic Region Love My Parks Day” volunteers. The second entrance of the park is undergoing conversion of John Jay State Historic Site a formerly mowed lawn into a meadow with Restoration efforts are underway on a wet native wildflowers and grasses. The wildflower meadow. The size of the habitat at the John Jay trail is a designated section of historic carriage State Historic site has declined because woody trail shoulder and adjacent field where there are plants and non-native invasives such as altered mowing regimes and planted hardy multiflora rose, and Oriental bittersweet started native wildflowers selected for their value to growing in the meadow. Woody shrubs have pollinators. Several hundred plugs and potted been removed to set back succession and plants have been purchased to support these restore the meadow habitat. Printing of pollinator restoration efforts. The native plants are thriving outreach materials is planned to educate once in these areas. the restoration is complete. NYS Department of Transportation (DOT) Implementation of Best – DOT mowing guidelines encourage Management Practices Maintenance residencies to seek opportunities to reduce and alter ● Acreage with reduced or altered mowing mowing where possible. Altered practices has been increased to avoid mowing has occurred in Rochester, disruptions to pollinator life cycles, to Buffalo, Utica and Poughkeepsie, and provide late-season forage and aid in is on the increase. wildflower seed dispersal, benefiting monarch butterflies, honeybees and – An award-winning example is Region other pollinators. While DOT mowing 4’s pilot project on Interstate 390, widths and locations are based on safety south of Rochester, to preserve needs, they rarely need to mow the existing milkweed to support Monarch entire width of the right-of- way (ROW), butterflies. creating an opportunity for innovation https://www.dot.ny.gov/regional- offices/region4/other-topics/pollinator- project.

6 2020 NEW YORK STATE POLLINATOR PROTECTION PLAN UPDATE – Modified mowing, by exploiting the ● Through the NY Invasive Species presence of favorable vegetation, can Council and contacts in individual save on the cost of new plantings NYSDOT Regions, DOT works with the while controlling the spread of non- Partnerships for Regional Invasive desirable vegetation. Species Management (PRISMs) to improve natural habitats through invasive – Pollinator gardens were established at species awareness and control. two rest areas on Interstate 390. ● Through the State’s Scenic Byways ● DOT continues its extensive program of Program, DOT shares information and Integrated Pest Management including: encourages Byways contacts and – Increased management to encourage stakeholders to consider pollinator native flora and fauna, including habitat in their outreach, management pollinators, and tourism efforts.

– Increased awareness of pests, ● NYSDOT is increasingly using Web apps invasives and pollinator needs, that incorporate pollinator and invasives information. Our Environmental Viewer, – Improved housekeeping and used by all Regions to screen projects for expanded use of biological controls, environmental concerns, now has a layer incorporating statewide invasive species – Minimized, targeted pesticide and information from iMapInvasives. A herbicide application with strict statewide vegetation management adherence to the New York State application is in development that will Department of Environmental allow the tracking of management actions Conservation’s (NYSDEC) and locations such as wildflower seeding requirements for pesticides and areas, altered mowing and dedicated labeling (especially regarding conservation management areas. Neonicotinoids such as clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam). Also, Habitat Enhancement Efforts participated in NYSDEC/ NYS Office of General Services development of ● In anticipation of the potential listing of green specifications such as the Monarch Butterfly under the “Sustainable Landscaping,” including Endangered Species Act, DOT pollinator considerations. Environmental and Operations staff from all 11 NYSDOT Regions and Main Office ● DOT has incorporated language, are collaborating to identify existing and awareness, management potential Monarch Butterfly habitat recommendations, and best practices across the entire system–over 135,000 related to pollinators in its guidance acres. DOT may use this information to documents such as the Highway Design enroll in the Monarch Butterfly Candidate Manual’s Chapter 28 on Landscape Conservation Agreement with Architecture, the Environmental Assurances (“Monarch CCAA”) Handbook for Transportation Operations, administered by the University of - and the Adirondacks Transportation Chicago for the United States Fish and Corridor Unit Management Plan. Wildlife Service. If enrolled, DOT would identify acreage within specific locations to implement the program’s recommended Monarch Conservation Management Practices.

2020 NEW YORK STATE POLLINATOR PROTECTION PLAN UPDATE 7 ● DOT prioritizes native species in all ● DOT prioritizes planting in areas which restoration and habitat enhancement provide the most benefit to pollinators projects. Use special specifications to such as adjacent to large, undeveloped increase the use of native grasses and tracts of land or known apiary locations. test custom native seed mixes on Are aware that plants supporting Regional projects and other actions. pollinators include not only herbaceous Factor time of bloom for shrubs and trees species but also shrubs and trees such into planting plans, with the goal of as red maple, and factor this into planting providing a continuous food source for choices. Understand that pollinators pollinators throughout the season. include birds, not only , and seek opportunities to incorporate such features as Bluebird nesting boxes in projects. Work with engineers to limit habitat loss and preserve continuity on projects and actions, to the extent possible. NYS Office of General Services (OGS)

Executive Order 4 established the Interagency to the Pollinator Task Force recommendation, Committee on Sustainability and Green several pollinator related questions were added Procurement to create green procurement lists to the annual survey that is completed by State and specifications for commodities, services and agencies and authorities in order to compile the technology to be used by State agencies and progress report. The responses to these survey authorities during their procurements. Three of questions help to give a clearer picture of State these specifications consider the impact on agencies’ involvement in protecting pollinators pollinators: throughout the State. ● Sustainable Landscaping Habitat Enhancement Efforts

● Pest Management for Outdoor Spaces OGS considers planting pollinator friendly environments that contain native vegetation at ● Turf and Ornamental Management State-owned and -managed buildings and Additionally, the Interagency Committee is facilities. OGS continues to assess the most continuing to identify relevant commodities, viable and beneficial sites for these pollinator services and technology in order to create new friendly environments. There are locations on specifications that can be adopted to protect the Harriman campus that OGS used to mow pollinators. The website information and the and have now allowed to grow that are now Executive Order 4 specifications also assist with populated with pollinator friendly native plants. plant selection and source considerations across Also, OGS has planted pollinator friendly tree the State. State agencies and authorities are species on the Harriman campus near the required to purchase commodities, services, and SUNY ETEC building. technology that meet the approved green Additionally, OGS does annual flower planting procurement specifications, so these on many of the OGS run properties and many of specifications provide standards for plantings these plantings are grown by DOCCS. OGS has and site restoration. requested an increase in the number of pollinator The Executive Order 4 Interagency Committee’s friendly perennials and wildflowers to be planted progress reports address the adoption of at all appropriate locations. Therefore, the sustainable practices and operations by State amount pollinator friendly species have been and government. During four fiscal years, pursuant should continue to increase on an annual basis.

8 2020 NEW YORK STATE POLLINATOR PROTECTION PLAN UPDATE NYS Thruway Authority Implementation of Best The following summarizes specific projects Management Practices occurring in each of the Authority's four Divisions: ● Mowing limits have been established along the Thruway mainline, Buffalo Division interchanges and service areas to The Buffalo Division recently completed the minimize the cutting of herbaceous geographical mapping of all mowing limits within vegetation while maintaining safety and the Division. Utilizing Geographical Information addressing public concerns. System (GIS), mowing limits were established ● The reduction of mowing results in the and digitized to assist maintenance in colonization of meadow wildflowers that developing and implementing comprehensive are beneficial to pollinators. mowing plans. These mowing plans result in the minimization of general ROW mowing practices ● Additional mowing limits are being allowing for the colonization and expansion of evaluated along the Thruway system. native grasses and wildflowers, while These areas will be evaluated for the maintaining and increasing the mowing potential to plant perennial wildflowers or frequency of the highway clear zone along with other plantings, beneficial to pollinators. the manicuring of gateway interchanges and areas of public concern. Habitat Enhancement Efforts During the removal of hazardous and decaying ● Maintenance crews are planting willow trees in the ROW, Westfield Maintenance bushes, lilac bushes, and wildflowers workers discovered several of these trees were across the system, in select areas. To being utilized by native honey bees and had date, numerous areas have been planted active hives located within them. Care was taken with wildflower s. In addition, lilac bushes to minimize disturbance to the hives while still have been installed as companions to removing sections of the decaying trees that willow species planted as living snow resulted in a safety hazard. To aid in the survival fences. of these bees along with assisting in the colonization of new hives, maintenance workers ● Future living snow fence installations will purchased and installed ten (10) bee boxes in include flowering shrubs. Plans for suitable ROW habitat. Periodic inspections of planting lilac and willow bushes, as well these bee boxes have confirmed the as wildflowers, at various locations establishment of new bee colonies. throughout the Thruway mainline right-of- way have occurred and will continue. Maintenance staff have planted more than 10 acres of wildflowers in the following locations: ● Capital projects are reviewed during Corning, Interchange 46 east bound on 1-90, design to identify opportunities to Batavia- Interchange 48 on 1-90, Depew- substitute standard turf seed mixes with Interchange 49 on 1-90 and Buffalo Airport- wildflower mixes. Projects are also Interchange 51 eastbound and westbound on evaluated to include flowering shrubs 1-90. and trees, where appropriate. As part of the design of capital projects, any necessary tree removal is timed with consideration to wildlife, particularly bats.

2020 NEW YORK STATE POLLINATOR PROTECTION PLAN UPDATE 9 Several projects in the following general areas Albany Division have included pollinator plantings during construction: Division field staff are evaluating locations to reduce and eliminate mowing. Where meadows ● Westfield to , planting of can establish, the colonization of wildflowers will lilac shrubs as part of a living snow fence occur through natural succession. The Berkshire installation spur is one such location with other areas being considered. The goal is to establish ● 1-390 to Victor on 1-90, planting of approximately 20 acres of meadows in one year. specialty seed wildflower mixes as part of the slope flattening work UV-light traps have been installed at approximately 10 locations in the Division where ● Buffalo Airport, Route 33 on 1-90, planting mosquitoes and other nighttime pests are wildflower seed mixes to restore the right present. Other locations will be considered for of way after construction activities future installations, which will eliminate the need In addition, recent bridge construction projects to spray insecticides for pest management. have included pollinator plantings such as New York Division flowering bulbs and shrubs in the vicinity of Cheektowaga and Buffalo. Division field staff are evaluating locations to reduce mowing and to create meadows with the Syracuse Division colonization of wildflowers through natural In 2016, the Division utilized two areas to pilot succession that are beneficial to pollinators. planting wildflowers. The locations include a rest Division staff have reduced mowing in multiple area and a portion of Interchange 34A. The locations to once per year from three to four pilots were very successful. The locations have times per year. been over seeded to promote additional growth. More than 5 additional areas have been planted with wildflowers, including:

● Verona, Interchange Exit 33 on 1-90

● Herkimer, Interchange 31 on 1-90

● Syracuse, Interchange 34 A on 1- 90

● Warners Service Area on 1-90

● Manchester Interchange vicinity on 1-90

Flowering shrubs have been planted to supplement willow species in living snow fences at the following general locations:

● Herkimer, Interchange 32 on 1-90

● Rome, Interchange 33 on 1-90 Syracuse, Interchange 34A on 1-90 Liverpool, Interchange 38 on 1-90

● Weedsport Area, Interchange 41 ramp areas

10 2020 NEW YORK STATE POLLINATOR PROTECTION PLAN UPDATE

2020 NEW YORK STATE POLLINATOR PROTECTION PLAN UPDATE 11 Education and Outreach NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets The Department of Agriculture, through a USDA NYS Department of Environmental grant, hosted the Honey Bee Health- First Conservation (DEC) Responder Program, an outreach and education program directed to hobbyist and side-liner The DEC conducted the following public beekeepers. The goal of the program is to outreach activities: provide education and training to beekeepers, ● Recertification courses (6 classroom helping them to recognize and reduce the courses; 2 online courses) for certified spread of infectious honey bee diseases. Once applicators address protecting and/or trained, the First Responders work within their encouraging pollinators. local bee clubs to help inspect and assess members’ hives, looking to raise awareness of ● Announcements about pollinators during honey bee diseases. In 2019, three local pollinator week in 2018 and 2019. beekeeping clubs participated in the program. ● Investigated two pollinator incidents A second component of the program included (usually reports of bee kills) involving a the training of local veterinarians to recognize response from field staff (inspections) diseases of honey bees. This allows them to and reporting to EPA. issue antibiotic prescriptions for honey bee ● Agency pollinator protection web page disease and meet the requirements of the updated with additional references as Federal Veterinarian Feed Directive, that seeks they became available, such as pollinator to keep antibiotics out of the food supply. The publications from Cornell, BMPs, and a veterinarian training was organized by Cornell Cornell Cooperative Extension virtual University’s Dyce Lab. garden tour showing plants/flowers that attract pollinators. In addition to the First Responder program, the Department notified and provided educational ● Distribution of over 400 copies of the materials to bee clubs in counties that had 2016 NYS Pollinator Protection Plan to American Foul Brood detections. There were 11 the DEC Regional Offices for distribution. counties impacted in 2019 with all bee clubs ● Regional staff cover pollinator protection within those counties being notified. when appropriate during outreach events Additionally, the State Apiculturist routinely and inspections. meets with local beekeeping clubs and organizations to provide program updates and NYS Department of information on the Apiary Inspection Program. In Transportation (DOT) 2019, the State Apiculturist gave a program DOT conducted the following education and overview to the Empire State Honey Producer’s outreach activities: Association members at their fall meeting and was invited to speak to three other beekeeping ● Sessions on managing for pollinators, clubs during the year. control of invasive species, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications, and use of native seed and plants were held in monthly Environmental/ Landscape Architecture Training Series (ELATS), as well as in annual meetings for Design, Construction and Operations.

12 2020 NEW YORK STATE POLLINATOR PROTECTION PLAN UPDATE ● Presented at statewide, national and – Permits to outside entities working on international conferences that have NYSDOT ROW included pollinator research and management best practices. Among – Special initiatives, such as Solar these are: The International Conference Highways on Ecology and Transportation (ICOET), NYS Thruway Authority Northeast Transportation and Wildlife Conference (NETWC) North American The Thruway Authority educated and provided Invasive Species Management outreach on pollinators in the following ways: Association (NAISMA), and annual meetings of various Transportation ● Trained maintenance employees in Research Board’s (TRB) committees. methods of vegetation and invasive species control, use of herbicides, ● In partnership with the Seneca Park Zoo pesticides and insecticides, mowing Society’s Butterfly Beltway program and reduction limits, tree trimming and brush Green Thumb Environmental control. Beautification, Inc., maintained two interpretive gardens at Mount Morris and ● Internet and Intranet sites provide Geneseo Rest Area where NYSDOT information on the NYS Pollinator Region 4 initiated altered mowing Protection Plan in addition to the practices. Rest area visitors, thanks to Authority's efforts to support pollinators. educational signs provided by the Zoo Society have the opportunity to learn NYS Office of General Services more about the plight of pollinators and (OGS) how they can practice conservation OGS hosts the GreenNY website measures at home. The Society also (https://ogs.ny.gov/greenny) that went live in harvests milkweed seeds from the April of 2017. A portion of the website is Department’s ROW for use in local dedicated to pollinator information and links conservation programs. (https://ogs.ny.gov/greenny/conserving-natural- ● The science behind the Region 4 pilot resources#pollinator-protection). This portion of mowing program has also been shared the website provides information regarding across NYSDOT via training targeting sustainable landscaping and pollinator residency personal and Maintenance protection. The website includes resources Environmental Coordinators. If the including the Pollinator Protection Plan, federal workers doing the mowing understand pollinator guidance, information on invasive the logic behind the change, they are species, and a list of Native Plants for more likely to help preserve the effort. Pollinators.

● The Federal Highway Administration NYS Office of Parks, Recreation (FHWA) has included NYSDOT’s and Historic Preservation experience on their Pollinator website. (OPRHP)

● Encouraged, supported and/or Educational banners and materials for exhibits incorporated pollinator considerations and activities have been developed for use at into: the New York State Fair and other outreach events to highlight native pollinators and plants – Federally funded locally let projects that are found in State Parks. These materials and programs we manage feature the partnership between NYNHP and OPRHP and are available for use by OPRHP

2020 NEW YORK STATE POLLINATOR PROTECTION PLAN UPDATE 13 and NYNHP staff for other events and displays. Cornell Cooperative Extension The window-shade style banners were produced Pesticide Management Education in 2017 and continue to be used across the state Program (CCE PMEP) to promote pollinators and habitat protection, including the New York State Fair, conferences, Along with Cornell College of Agriculture and nature centers, agency meetings, and more. Life Science (CU CALS) Pollinator Network, PMEP co-authored “A Pesticide Decision- Cornell University Making Guide to Protect Pollinators in Tree Fruit Orchards” and “A Pesticide Decision-Making Cornell University has been involved in Guide to Protect Pollinators in Landscape, education and outreach on pollinators through a Ornamental, and Turf Management” number of programs throughout the university. (https://pollinator.cals.cornell.edu/resources/gro wer-resources/). Integrated Pest Management Program PMEP has also reviewed and revised drafts of “A Pesticide Decision-Making Guide to Protect ● Northeast Pollinator Partnership, for Pollinators in Small Fruits and Vine Crops” and apple growers, “A Pesticide Decision-Making Guide to Protect http://northeastpollinatorpartnership.org Pollinators in Vegetable Crops”, which should be ● Pollinator Network at Cornell – Grower published by 2021. Resources, At the 2019 CCE Agricultural In-Service, PMEP http://pollinator.cals.cornell.edu/resource hosted a talk on Pollinator Protection by CU CALS s/grower-resources Entomologist and Pollinator Network member ● A Pesticide Decision-Making Guide to Scott McArt. At the 2019 Ronald D. Gardner Food Protect Pollinators in Tree Fruit Processing Pest Management Workshop, PMEP Orchards, hosted a speaker who presented to pesticide applicators on how to remove honey bees from ● https://pollinator.cals.cornell.edu/sites/pol structures. At the 2020 Food Processing Pest linator.cals.cornell.edu/files/shared/docu Management Workshop, PMEP invited Stephen ments/Tree%20Fruit_Pesticide%20Decis Repasky, owner/operator of Bee Control ion%20Making%20Guide_June%202020 Pittsburgh, to speak to pesticide applicators on .pdf how to relocate structure-infesting honey bees during the Structural Pest Control session. ● Wild Pollinators of Eastern Apple Orchards and How to Conserve Them, In summer of 2020, PMEP collaborated with Dr. http://pollinator.cals.cornell.edu/sites/polli Bryan Danforth and Maria van Dyke of the CU nator.cals.cornell.edu/files/shared/WildPo CALS Pollinator Network on their “Northeast llinatorsEasternAppleOrchards.pdf Pollinator Partnership”, a proposed project to generate training materials for agricultural ● Several publications were revised service providers. PMEP would serve by including articles on honey bee swarms providing review for these materials. and information on swarm catchers http://pollinator.cals.cornell.edu/resource In January of 2019, PMEP Extension Support s/removing-your-swarms Specialist Dan Wixted co-authored a column on pesticides and bees with Scott McArt in the January issue of the American Bee Journal. (https://cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/ blogs.cornell.edu/dist/8/5278/files/2019/03/01- McArt-article_January2019-compressed- 19mku16.pdf)

14 2020 NEW YORK STATE POLLINATOR PROTECTION PLAN UPDATE PMEP reviewed and supplied comments and 1. a breakdown of their inspection suggestions on drafts of the “Neonicotinoid results and parasite levels for all Insecticides in New York State: Economic colonies inspected, Benefits and Risk to Pollinators” report, authored 2. a summary of how their colony by Grout, Koenig, Kapuvari and McArt. metrics and parasite levels compare Over the past two years, PMEP has answered to other beekeepers sampled during numerous pesticide-related questions from the the same period, and CU CALS Pollinator Network, spanning a variety 3. recommendations tailored to their of topics and projects. operation. NYS Beekeeper Tech Team ● Annual Tech Team report. This report Annually AGM contracts with Cornell University summarizes overall industry trends and to support a Tech Team consisting of an new research results from working with interdisciplinary group of professionals that the Tech Team participants. This report provides colony inspection, parasite analysis, is publicly available. pesticide testing, and business development ● One-on-one meetings. Beekeepers meet services to hobbyist, sideliner and commercial with the team individually for a two-hour beekeepers in NYS. meeting in late winter/early spring to The team works with between 25 and 30 discuss the year’s data collected from beekeepers each year to sample 250 colonies their operation, their major successes each June and September. Participants can stay and challenges, and to provide enrolled in the program for three years. Tech recommendations for the upcoming year. Team services are available to beekeepers who Together, the beekeeper and team maintain colonies in New York State and who develop a realistic management plan for generate at least $1,000 in annual revenue from the operation moving forward. beekeeping. The Tech Team aims for one third ● Financial Analysis and Business of participants to be commercial beekeepers Benchmarking services. Participants (who manage 200 colonies or more). Priority is have the option to work with the team’s given to beekeepers who are interested in agricultural economist to understand the participating in the Financial Analysis and financial position of their beekeeping Business Benchmarking arm of the program, business, compare their business’ and any remaining slots are filled on a first- performance to industry benchmarks, and come, first-served basis. Starting in 2020, can seek advice about how to work toward priority has also been given to beekeepers who their goals. Participants receive annual are seeking help to overcome disease and inventories of business assets and parasite issues in their operation. The Tech liabilities, a report of financial performance, Team services are open to hobbyist, sideliner, and individualized analysis and and commercial beekeepers. recommendations. The annual Financial Each beekeeper receives the following services: Analysis and Business Benchmarking Reports summarize the information from ● Spring and fall colony inspections each all participants and are publicly available. year for three years. During these To date, 62 beekeepers have inspections, technicians also take participated in this part of the program. Varroa, Nosema, and pesticide samples. Industry benchmarks for honey prices, Timely colony health reports. These honey yield, costs and income per include: colony, and profitability are documented in the annual Financial Analysis and Business Benchmarking Reports.

2020 NEW YORK STATE POLLINATOR PROTECTION PLAN UPDATE 15 2020 marks the fifth year of the NYS Beekeeper Introduction to Honey Bee Queen Tech Team program. To date, the team has Rearing Workshop worked with a total of 58 beekeepers who manage 27,094 colonies in NYS. This includes Poor genetics is a major problem for honey bee 22 commercial, 18 sideliner, and 18 hobby health. Each June a workshop is held that beekeepers. The team has sampled colonies teaches students how to rear locally adapted from 138 apiaries across 30 counties. It is disease-resistant honey bee queens. Emphasis evident beekeepers make important is placed on learning multiple techniques, contributions to New York’s agricultural ranging from small scale backyard production to economy. Beekeepers currently enrolled in the larger scale commercial production. program harvested 318,561 pounds of honey in https://pollinator.cals.cornell.edu/resources/beek 2019, which comprises 11% of the eeping-workshops approximately 3 million pounds of honey the Pesticide Risk to Pollinators: industry produces annually. Extension of Information to Growers

All NYS Beekeeper Tech Team reports can be Most growers are interested in minimizing accessed at https://pollinator.cals.cornell.edu/ pesticide risk to non-target organisms such as nys-beekeeper-tech-team/ bees, but they lack current information on how to do so. To fill this gap, a concerted effort is made Veterinarian Continuing Education to create extension materials and give talks to and Vet school Curriculum growers and applicators on how to reduce The new FDA Veterinary Feed Directive requires pesticide exposure and risk to pollinators. that antibiotic prescriptions for honey bees be issued by a veterinarian. Yet most U.S. There have been more than a dozen veterinarians are not familiar with honey bees presentations for growers/applicators since June because they are not included in current 2018, reaching approximately 1,075 individuals. veterinary training curriculum. Continuing There were additional extension presentations education workshops for veterinarians are held for beekeepers and other stakeholders that on honey bee biology and disease control. In reach approximately 1,325 individuals since cooperation with instructors in the Cornell Vet June 2018. School a new curriculum was developed to teach the school’s first “Honey Bee Health and Conservation” course, available to 2nd and 3rd year veterinary students. Since June 2018 three continuing education workshops (122 veterinarians trained) and 5 classes for veterinary students (126 vet students trained) have been held.

16 2020 NEW YORK STATE POLLINATOR PROTECTION PLAN UPDATE

2020 NEW YORK STATE POLLINATOR PROTECTION PLAN UPDATE 17 Research Cornell University NYS Integrated Pest Management maintaining habitats for pollinators and (IPM) Program other beneficial . 80% of attendees from these events responded The New York State IPM was established in that they will spend time on creating and 1985 in Agricultural and Markets Law to develop maintaining habitats near their crops. sustainable ways to manage pests and helps people to use methods that minimize ● E-newsletters were written for New York environmental, health, and economic risks. The State fruit programs to include resources program has changed the behavior of farmers and key tasks for pollinator protection in and pest managers in New York State and each issue beyond by teaching the concepts of pest ● NYS IPM working on documenting monitoring and exclusion, using population and neonicotinoid insecticides use for each weather modeling to apply pest controls more crop in NYS (vegetables, fruits, field efficiently, and the use of biological controls. crops ornamentals), including target pest, Since 2017, the IPM program has calculated an application method, risk to pollinators, Environmental Impact Quotient EIQ importance of use, chemical and non- https://nysipm.cornell.edu/eiq value for chemical alternatives to develop seventeen new active ingredients. The EIQ strategies to reduce risks to pollinators determines the environmental impact of and economic risk. commonly used pesticides in agriculture and ● NYS IPM is providing support on a NE horticulture. The values obtained from these SARE grant project for the Northeast calculations can be used to compare the Pollinator Partnership on educating apple environmental impact, including the toxicity to industry stakeholders on protecting wild bees, of different pesticides and pest bees in orchards. management programs.

In addition, between 2018-2020 the Cornell IPM Research and Publications team initiated the development of a set of best Cornell researchers have published scientific management practices to assist pollinators: research on the impact of pesticides, pathogens, and habitat on honey bees and wild bees to ● Pollinator habitat establishment trials inform management decisions by beekeepers, were put in place in 2018 to determine growers and the public. costs of installation, bloom diversity and timing, and diversity over time for 1. McArt, S. H. 2020. Parasite transmission 6 methods of installation differing in weed between hives and spillover to non-Apis management, time of planting and pollinators. In “Honey Bee Medicine for transplant vs. direct seeding. During the the Veterinary Practitioner”, Eds. T. R. summer of 2019, at least 5 families and Kane and C. M. Faux, Wiley Blackwell 18 genera of bees, primarily wild species, Press. were collected and identified with the help of Cornell’s Bee Lab. Several A book written for veterinarians who are outreach programs including Field Days interested in learning more about honey with growers were organized to bee health. Bee biologists and demonstrate the benefits of creating and veterinarians describe basic honey bee

18 2020 NEW YORK STATE POLLINATOR PROTECTION PLAN UPDATE biology with a focus on health, diagnosis knapweed pollen in nectar, 86% of of diseases, and current methods for apiaries contained knapweed pollen in minimizing and controlling diseases in bee bread, and knapweed was beekeeping operations of any size. sometimes a main pollen or nectar source for honey bees in late summer. 2. Urbanowicz, C. M., P. A. Muñiz and S. H. Results suggest that because of McArt. 2020. Honey bees and wild diverging responses to floral abundance pollinators differ in their preference for and preferences for different plants, and use of introduced floral resources. honey bees and wild pollinators differ in Ecology & Evolution 10:6741-6751. their use of introduced plants. Depending Introduced plants may be important on the plant and its abundance, removing foraging resources for honey bees and an introduced plant may impact honey wild pollinators, but how often and why bees more than wild pollinators. pollinators visit introduced plants across 3. Iverson, A. L., C. Hale, L. Richardson, O. an entire plant community is not well Miller and S. H. McArt. 2019. Synergistic understood. Understanding the effects of three sterol biosynthesis importance of introduced plants for inhibiting fungicides on the toxicity of a pollinators could help guide management pyrethroid and neonicotinoid insecticide of these plants and conservation of to bumble bees. Apidologie 50:733-744. pollinator habitat. Publication assessed how floral abundance and pollinator Understanding how different pesticides preference influence pollinator visitation influence bee health is inhibited by a rate and diversity on 30 introduced limited knowledge about the interactions versus 24 native plants in central New between different compounds to which York. Honey bees visited introduced and bees are simultaneously exposed. native plants at similar rates regardless Although research has demonstrated of floral abundance. In contrast, as floral synergistic effects of some sterol abundance increased, wild pollinator biosynthesis inhibiting (SBI) fungicides visitation rate decreased more strongly on the toxicity of certain insecticides to for introduced plants than native plants. bees, a high degree of variability exists in Introduced plants as a group and native the relatively few SBI fungicide- plants as a group did not differ in bee insecticide interactions tested. diversity or preference, but honey bees Furthermore, most research has been and wild pollinators preferred different conducted on honey bees, Apis mellifera, plant species. A case study, focused on limiting the understanding of pesticide knapweed (Centaurea spp.), an synergisms in native wild bees. The introduced plant that was the most effects of the SBI fungicides preferred plant by honey bees, and that difenoconazole, myclobutanil, and beekeepers value as a late‐summer fenhexamid on acute contact toxicity of foraging resource. The extent to which the insecticides thiamethoxam honey bees versus wild pollinators visited (neonicotinoid) and bifenthrin (pyrethroid) knapweed relative to co-flowering plants to the common eastern bumble bee, was assessed. Knapweed pollen and Bombus , were tested. Based nectar collection by honey bees across on range-finding trials, a single dosage of 22 New York apiaries was quantified. each pesticide, with insecticides Honey bees visited knapweed more approximating LD20 values and frequently than co-flowering plants and at fungicides approximating their maximum a similar rate as all wild pollinators sublethal levels, was selected. It was combined. All apiaries contained found that the triazole SBI fungicide

2020 NEW YORK STATE POLLINATOR PROTECTION PLAN UPDATE 19 difenoconazole interacted synergistically drone cells, and experienced queen with bifenthrin, with a maximum synergy death more quickly than colonies in ratio of 1.48, while the triazole natural and agricultural landscapes. The myclobutanil interacted synergistically performance and fitness of colonies in with both bifenthrin and thiamethoxam, natural, organic agricultural, and with maximum synergy ratios of 11.0 and conventional agricultural landscapes in 2.38, respectively. However, the both years were similar. Additionally, hydroxyanilide SBI fungicide fenhexamid across all landscape types, the did not exhibit a synergistic effect on proportion of developed land and either insecticide. These results indicate impervious surface were significantly that certain SBI fungicides, and negatively associated with colony potentially those from particular SBI performance in 2016. Thus, results classes, may be particularly harmful to suggested that suburban landscapes are bumble bee health when co-exposure suboptimal for B. impatiens compared to with insecticides occurs, despite their low natural and agricultural landscapes, and toxicity when experienced in isolation. At that this effect differs across years, the same time, certain SBI fungicides potentially due to climactic differences. may not be harmful to bumble bees when Future research is needed to identify the co-exposure with insecticides occurs. mechanisms responsible for reduced performance of bumble bee colonies in 4. Milano, N. J., A. L. Iverson, B. A. Nault suburban landscapes, especially and S. H. McArt. 2019. Comparative regarding floral resources and pesticide survival and fitness of bumble bee and pathogen stress. Such information colonies in natural, suburban, and could direct specific actions to improve agricultural landscapes. Agriculture suburban habitat for pollinators. Ecosystems & Environment 284:106594. 5. Urbanowicz, C. M., N. Baert, S. E. Pollinators such as bumble bees are in Bluher, M. Ramos, K. Böröczky and S. H. decline as a result of many factors, McArt. 2019. Low maize pollen collection including loss of habitat. Initiatives to and low pesticide risk to honey bees in improve and restore pollinator habitat are heterogeneous agricultural landscapes. increasingly popular. However, to most Apidologie 50:379-390. effectively conserve pollinators, a better understanding of which habitats limit their Honey bees foraging on and around survival and fitness at the landscape maize may be exposed to a number of scale is needed. This study examined pesticides, including neonicotinoids, but performance and fitness of the common this exposure has not been well eastern bumble bee, Bombus impatiens quantified in heterogeneous landscapes. (Cresson), in four common landscapes Such landscapes may provide alternative for bees (natural, suburban, conventional foraging resources that add to or buffer agriculture, and organic agriculture). In pesticide risk. The influence of landscape the summers of 2016 and 2017, 64 context and maize pollen collection on bumble bee colonies per year were pesticide levels during maize flowering. deployed across 16 sites (4 sites in each Pesticides were quantified in (1) bee landscape type in each year) and their bread from 49 hives across New York growth (weight and bee abundance), and (2) pollen trapped weekly in one fitness (caste production), and survival yard. Landscape composition and were monitored weekly. Colonies in percent maize pollen were not related to suburban sites in 2016, but not 2017, pesticide levels. Furthermore, pesticide were lighter, produced fewer worker and risk was low (< 1% contact LD50) in all

20 2020 NEW YORK STATE POLLINATOR PROTECTION PLAN UPDATE but one of the pollen samples, and maize Producers Association and American pollen was absent in the majority of Beekeeping Federation, and numerous samples. Results suggest that hives near NY beekeeping club presentations. maize fields during maize flowering are not necessarily exposed to high levels of 7. Pesticide Decision-making Guides for neonicotinoids and other pesticides in Growers. Publications for growers on pollen, especially if uncontaminated how to apply pesticides safely, and the pollen sources exist nearby. relative toxicity of each pesticide product to honey bees compared to alternatives 6. Neonicotinoid Report that may be effective against target pests. In addition, the guides summarize Grout, T. A., P. A. Koenig, J. K. Kapuvari all existing knowledge about synergisms and S. H. McArt. 2020. Neonicotinoid that can occur between specific insecticides in New York: Economic fungicides and insecticides. benefits and risk to pollinators. 432 pp. https://pollinator.cals.cornell.edu/pollinato Van Dyke, M., E. Mullen, D. Wixted and r-research-cornell/neonicotinoid-report/ S. H. McArt. 2018. A pesticide decision- making guide to protect pollinators in tree concise summary: https://cpb-us- fruit orchards. 31 pp. e1.wpmucdn.com/blogs.cornell.edu/dist/8 https://pollinator.cals.cornell.edu/resourc /5278/files/2020/09/09-McArt- es/grower-resources/ article_September2020.pdf Van Dyke, M., E. Mullen, D. Wixted and In August 2018, with funding provided S. H. McArt. 2018. A pesticide decision- through the NYS Environmental making guide to protect pollinators in Protection Fund to research potential landscape, ornamental, and turf adverse impacts of pesticides, such as management. 36 pp. neonicotinoids, Cornell began developing https://pollinator.cals.cornell.edu/resourc a risk-benefit analysis of neonicotinoid es/grower-resources/ insecticide usage in New York State with the following three goals: 1) Estimate the 8. Articles in the American Bee Journal, pest control and plant protection benefits since June 2018: of neonicotinoid insecticides under current usage in New York, 2) Estimate the risk A monthly column in American Bee from neonicotinoids to pollinators, and 3) Journal called “Notes from the Lab: The Evaluate the relative benefits and risks of Latest Bee Science Distilled,” which likely neonicotinoid substitutes (i.e., other reaches ~15,000 subscribers. Each insecticides or pest control strategies) month, a recent pollinator health paper compared to neonicotinoids. The report from the primary literature for a non- was published in June 2020 (see link to scientific audience is summarized. The the publicly available document above). goal is to make the emerging pollinator Results have been summarized in the health science more approachable and September 2020 issue of The American relevant to beekeepers and the public. Bee Journal, at the November 2020 Each article is freely downloadable: Annual Meeting of the Entomological http://blogs.cornell.edu/mcartlab/notes- Society of America, the December from-the-lab/ meetings of the American Honey

2020 NEW YORK STATE POLLINATOR PROTECTION PLAN UPDATE 21 New York Farm Viability NYS Department of Institute Transportation (DOT)

The New York Farm Viability Institute (NYFVI) is The DOT initiated and actively manages several a farmer-led not-for-profit that provides grant research projects, using federal State Planning funds for applied research and outreach and Research funds, focused on or of benefit to education projects that help farms increase pollinators: SPR C-16-02 Soils to support profits and provide models for other farms. Since Pollinators ($500,000) analyzes the the 2018 Pollinator Protection Plan Update, the characteristics of native soils currently NYFVI has provided grant funds for a study: supporting pollinator-friendly vegetation in all “Examining the Efficacy of a Novel Control major state ecoregions. This will serve as the Method for Varroa destructor in New York basis for development of manufactured topsoil Honey Bee Colonies. (Combplex)”. specifications to improve the Department’s ability to better mimic natural conditions when NYS Thruway Authority restoring areas where topsoil has been lost or diminished. SPR C-17-12 Effects of a Modified ● The Authority is participating in a research Mowing Regime in NYSDOT ROWs on study being led by the New York State Pollinators and Vegetation ($200,000) evaluates Department of Transportation. The the effect of standard and altered mowing research is being undertaken by the practices on presence and quantity of pollinator Rochester Institute of Technology and is and wildflower species in 30 paired test sites designed to identify the impacts of a across the state. The analysis will strengthen modified mowing regime on pollinators. roadside vegetation managers’ ability to Three locations on the Thruway will be determine the benefits and costs of altering included in the study. The findings from mowing practices for safety/operational the research are anticipated in 2022. concerns and pollinator insects. SPR C-18-01 Swallow-wort Biocontrol ($750,000): supports ● The Authority will continue to monitor the the development and field trials of potential health of existing wildflower plantings biocontrols for the invasive plant Swallow-wort and where applicable, evaluate the that, in addition to overtaking native vegetation stressors affecting the area. and reducing diversity, can attract monarch ● UV-light traps have been installed at butterflies but kill the larvae that hatch. All these select tollbooth locations where efforts will result in both professional publication mosquitoes and other nighttime pests are and practical application, include a training present. Based on empirical evidence, component, and will have wider applicability to these traps appear to be effective. Other other DOTs and land managing entities. locations will be considered for future DOT also works closely with other agencies and installations, which will eliminate the partners for mutual sharing and support of need to spray insecticides for pest research and knowledge. For example, management. discussions with the Xerces Society and the ● The Authority continues to investigate Federal Plant Conservation Alliance have alternative, low maintenance plantings informed our efforts to develop seed mixes that appropriate for a highway right-of-way. can withstand roadside stressors, with minimal ground preparation.

22 2020 NEW YORK STATE POLLINATOR PROTECTION PLAN UPDATE Future Recommendations

The Pollinator Protection Plan has helped advance many of the State’s goals to protect its pollinator populations, including developing voluntary best management practices for all pollinator stakeholders; developing habitat enhancement efforts to protect and revive populations of native and managed pollinators; supporting research and monitoring of pollinators to better understand, prevent, and recover from pollinator losses; and expanding outreach and public education on the importance of pollinators.

Moving forward, there are many opportunities to build on the actions taken so far to protect New York’s pollinators. Best Management Practices Habitat Enhancement Efforts Register Apiaries for BMP Increase Pollinator Friendly Implementation and Improved Plantings at State Sites

Disease Control Given the current status of native pollinator Pass legislation to create the Cooperative populations and habitat loss, NYS Office of Honey Bee Health Improvement Plan to provide Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation can the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets play a role in the protection of native pollinators with beekeeper information on number of by strategically improving pollinator habitat colonies, county location and contact information. throughout the state. NYS OPRHP should continue to conserve, maintain, and expand Expand the Reach of the pollinator gardens and larger pollinator habitats, New York State Tech Team emphasizing the use of native plantings. Expand the Tech Team’s geographic range to Continue Research enroll beekeepers in unrepresented areas, such as the North Country, Hudson Valley, New York Control of the Varroa Mite City and Long Island. Provide components of Tech Team program in a virtual platform and IPM Research on alternative control measures with web-based learning. and treatment for the Varroa Mite as it is the top stressor for honeybees and biggest indicator of Develop Best Management colony loss. Practices to Promote Pollinator Health Establish an IPM Workgroup

Target Integrated Pest Management Program Examine alternative products and control (IPM) efforts to develop and distribute BMPs measures for those pesticides (neonics, on using treated seed in crop production and fungicides) used in New York and for which fungicides in specialty crops. pollinator exposure is of concern. Research should include the availability, cost, efficacy and application method/equipment of potential alternatives and as well as their risk to pollinators, environment and human health.

2020 NEW YORK STATE POLLINATOR PROTECTION PLAN UPDATE 23 Pollinator Exposure to Pesticides Vulnerable Native Pollinator

Replicate Cornell University on-farm research Communities related to pesticide spray practices and pesticide Use Natural Heritage baseline data on residues (pollen, wax) conducted on strawberry pollinators to identify key pollinator species for and apple farms to other New York cropping New York and correlate with key agricultural systems and commodities. land use patterns. Monitor pollinator community over time. Data and Information on Current Farming Practices

A Cornell (Dyson School) study (including farmer survey) of the use of fungicides and neonicotinoids in New York’s farming community.

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2020 NEW YORK STATE POLLINATOR PROTECTION PLAN UPDATE 25

www.dec.ny.gov | www.agriculture.ny.gov