dnetz@fs.fed.us 775-355-5340 1200 Franklin Way Sparks, Nevada 89431 Presidential Memorandum on Pollinators What it Means for Restoration and Reclamation Projects on Forest System Lands dnetz@fs.fed.us 775-355-5340 1200 Franklin Way Sparks, Nevada 89431 Dirk W. Netz Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Forest Botanist H-T Native Plant Materials Coordinator Forest Pollinator Program Manager

Pollination is a Critical Ecosystem Service Provided by: Native bees Honey bees Butterflies Moths Other insects Birds Bats Xerces Society Nationalgeographic.com

Pollinators are Declining at Alarming Rates There has been simultaneous, global, declines in populations of Honey Bees, Bumble Bees, and Monarch Butterflies . “The problem is serious and requires immediate attention to ensure the sustainability of our food production systems, avoid additional economic impact on the agricultural sector, and protect the health of the environment.” – Presidential Memorandum 2014 bring into focus the Importance of Pollinator Conservation Xerces Society

Declines are Attributed To: Habitat Degradation, Fragmentation and/or Loss Improper Grazing Invasive Species Altered Fire Regime Climate Change (resist/resilience) Choice of major crops Extensive use of Pesticides Neonicotinoids Pyrethroids Parasites and Pathogens

Benefits to Society Ecological Benefits Estimated $15 Billion/year to Agricultural economy ($11.68 billion from honey bees and $3.44 billion from native pollinators) - Calderone 2012. This is for pollination services only, it doesn’t include honey and other services such as biological control. Some estimates as high as $30 billion/year. Ecological Benefits “Beyond agriculture, pollinators are keystone species in most terrestrial ecosystems: they pollinate the seeds and fruits that feed everything from songbirds to grizzly bears. Thus, conservation of pollinating insects is critically important to conserving both biodiversity and agriculture.” (Xerces Society 2012)

The Equation is Simple No pollinators = no pollination = no viable seeds = no future generations => Loss in diversity within; Species Communities Ecosystems

Presidential Response to the Pollinator Crisis

Constructed in 4 Sections Section 1. Establishing a Pollinator Health Task Force Section 2. Mission and Function of the Task Force Section 3. Increasing and Improving Pollinator Habitat Section 4. General Provisions Section 3 is the most effective for direction and efforts at the “ground level” and the focus of our discussion today.

3A - Federal agencies SHALL enhance pollinator habitat on managed lands and facilities through increased native vegetation with application of pollinator friendly BMPs and pollinator friendly seed mixes. Roughly estimated - 7 million acres in 5 years. Assuming even distribution across all National Forest, approximately 4,000 acres/NF/year. Targeting restoration at areas that will yield the greatest net benefits for pollinator health. – protect the best/restore the rest Use pollinator friendly Best Management Practices Fed lands to Improve Pollinator Habitat Protect Pollinators when taking Management Actions Protect and Sustain Specific Pollinator Species

3B – Evaluate permit and management practices on powerline, pipeline, utility, and other rights-of-way and easements, and, consistent with applicable law, make any necessary and appropriate changes to enhance pollinator habitat. Are the methods we use the most appropriate? Are there elements we can change that will meet the needs of the permit holder AND minimize the need for noxious weed treatment year after year AND create more diverse communities AND improve pollinator habitat?

Poor pollinator habitat dominated by an understory shrub 3C - Incorporate pollinator health as a component of all future restoration and reclamation projects as appropriate including all annual restoration plans. Example 1. Objective: Thin understory shrub to improve forest stand health, decrease the risk and severity of wildland fire, AND increase pollinator abundance and diversity. Poor pollinator habitat dominated by an understory shrub Good pollinator habitat providing open areas for forbs and small shrubs to bloom

Pollinator Gardens Objective: Provide opportunities to; educate public and employees. test diversity island methods for restoration projects. evaluate plant materials for fitness at a local level. AND increase pollinator abundance and diversity. No size restriction, although it is suggested that they be at least 10’ X 10’. Emphasis on native and regionally appropriate “flowering” species. Follow the “Rule of 3” 3 early-season blooming species 3 mid-season blooming species 3 late-season blooming species 3’ diameter plantings to optimize attraction for foraging pollinators.

3F – Federal agencies shall establish a reserve of native seed mixes, including pollinator friendly plants.

Almost unanimously We can’t do this alone Where do we start? When do we start?

Questions?