EQI and POM MP3 Metrics Full SFIREG Meeting June 1-2, 2015

EQI Managed Pollinator Protection Plans Success Measures

General Considerations: Realizing that all states are different and may not have the same technical capabilities, the EQI proposal allows states flexibility to pick and choose elements that are in line with that specific states capabilities and desires. We propose that states use at least two but no more than four of the measures to track MP 3 success. In some cases states will use technical or quantitative data while others will have to rely on qualitative data. In some cases a state may use a combination of both (what we see as the best option).

Goal of MP 3 Specific Elements Target GroupMeasures Behavioral ChangesPractice ChangesPractice changes can be considered those implemented by beekeepers and growers (1) Increased adoption of routine practices (2) Adoption of focused BMP’s designed to reduce pollinator exposure. Practice changes can be modifications of application timing, reduced pesticide applications, reduced areas, or timing modifications Communication Changes Communication improvements should focus on planning efforts between beekeepers and growers prior to application (1) Accountings of pre-application meetings between growers and beekeepers (States could require notification that such meetings have occurred prior to application). Usage of Ed. Resources Increased use of educational resources can focus on both beekeepers and growers. Depending on the focus resources can be tailored (1) Track use of educational materials provided via the web. (2) Track number of educational program deliveries (in person) to beekeeper and growers groups focused on PPP Most educational materials are provided through state agencies or extension offices. Delivering this information via the web would allow states to track use of this material by the public. Managed Pollinator Protection Plans - Qualitative

Goal of MP 3 Specific Elements Target GroupMeasures Behavioral ChangesShifts in Product Usage Growers will remain focus group (1) Track increased use of alternative pesticides or reduction of the use of current pesticides that are proven risks to pollinators. Can be tracked via sales records, crop advisor surveys, or surveys sent out through the states or NASS. Adoption of Plan Elements (keeping in mind that elements 1a-1d are in themselves elements on an overall MP 3 ) Target groups for these elements should include beekeepers and/or beekeeper organizations. Secondary group would be those associated with grower organizations or commodity groups (1) Track number of adoptions of plan elements by beekeeper and grower organizations above baseline. A minimum number of plan elements adoptions should be considered when documenting progress.

Managed Pollinator Protection Plans - Qualitative Goal of MP 3 Specific Elements Target GroupMeasures Behavioral ChangesShifts in Product Usage Growers will remain focus group (1) Track increased use of alternative pesticides or reduction of the use of current pesticides that are proven risks to pollinators. Can be tracked via sales records, crop advisor surveys, or surveys sent out through the states or NASS. Adoption of Plan Elements (keeping in mind that elements 1a-1d are in themselves elements on an overall MP 3 ) Target groups for these elements should include beekeepers and/or beekeeper organizations. Secondary group would be those associated with grower organizations or commodity groups (1) Track number of adoptions of plan elements by beekeeper and grower organizations above baseline. A minimum number of plan elements adoptions should be considered when documenting progress.

Managed Pollinator Protection Plans - Quantitative Goal of MP 3 Specific Elements Target GroupMeasures Exposure RatesBee kills due to pesticides The target group will be beekeepers (1) Document reductions in the number of bee kills reported. (2) Document reduction in scope of kills that are reported. If kills are reported, implementation of MPPP’s should result in smaller incidents. This should be considered especially within the first year where we may see reported spikes. It is possible that initially there would be a spike in the reported number of incidents. Adoption of MPPP’s should show downward trends. Recommend that trend analysis not occur until after the first year of MPPP’s adoption. Development and Implementation of Best Management Practices Beekeepers, growers, state regulatory agencies (1) Track the increase in development or improvement of Best Management Practices developed and implemented. These BMP’s would generally be those that are additional to those specified within the MP 3

Managed Pollinator Protection Plans - Quantitative Goal of MP 3 Specific Elements Target GroupMeasures Exposure RatesExposure DataThe main target group(s) would be beekeepers, state regulatory agencies, and growers (1) Based on current baselines, track the decrease in exposure incidents (both lethal and sub lethal) (2) Document changes in the number of individual pesticides that constitute an “exposure”. 2c(3) Conduct hive(s) analysis and document changes in “in hive” exposure (what pesticides of concern are being brought back to the hive) Pollen AnalysisBeekeepers / State Regulatory Agencies (1) Conduct and track analysis of hive pollen for changes in pesticide potential exposure. Document decreases in impactful pesticide concentrations for hive pollen.

Managed Pollinator Protection Plans - Quantitative Goal of MP 3 Specific Elements Target GroupMeasures Pollinator HealthHive Population Surveys The target group will be beekeepers and state/ federal agencies (1) Based on state / federal surveys document changes in hive populations (single) or overall hive numbers. (2) Track changes in USDA pollinator surveys. Population surveys need to consider both the changes in the overall number of hives and the hive specific population in order to get a true and accurate picture. Honey ProductionBeekeepers, state regulatory agencies (1) Track changes in commercial honey production. Increases would tend to point to better overall hive health due to MPPP implementation.

Managed Pollinator Protection Plans - Quantitative Goal of MP 3 Specific Elements Target GroupMeasures ComplianceIn Field Technical Assistance The target group will be beekeepers growers (1) Document the number of on-site technical assistance visits that are either voluntary or occur as a result of complaint. Compliance visits can provide for a effective method to address specific issues related to pesticide exposure to pollinators at risk Label Modifications State regulatory agencies (2) Track the number of state specific label restrictions that occur in order to address pollinator issues. The results of this activity can be a good measure of MPPP’s effectiveness, if limits are implemented at the request of beekeepers/growers this could be considered a success of MPPP’s, if this is an action deemed necessary in spite of having an MPPP then this is an indication that changes to the MPPP may be required.

POM Committee Evaluation of Ability and Methods to Measure Success of Managed Pollinator Protection Plans (MP3)

General Considerations: MP3 measures are meant to be flexible and based on individual state pollinator protection plans or activities. Measures of the MP3 implementation will be specific and flexible to each state’s needs, goals and focus in relation to bees. A state’s ability to report measures will be resource and program dependent. Includes: the types of laws, rules and authorities in place and availability of staff, funding, etc. to support collection of data. Include qualitative as well as quantitative measures. Should establish baseline where possible for data or information will be collecting.

Development of Measures: Identify what the purpose and focus of a state’s plan is. This may be different for each plan if a state has multiple plans (ag/non-ag, commodity specific, region/location specific, etc.) List the goal(s) which are to be achieved under the plan based on the purpose. (communication, use of BMPS, fewer incidents, regulatory compliance, etc.) Develop objectives and measures which demonstrate progress toward or meeting of the intended goals. National reporting mechanism (like POINTS, CPARD) – voluntary use or use of applicable sections only…EPA, NASDA Foundation, NASS Survey, NPIC reporting, etc.