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Native Pollinating Insects Health Study

Native Pollinating Insects Health Study

In response to Senate Bill 22-199, the Colorado Department of Natural Resources has commissioned a study on native pollinating insects. This collaborative study will be conducted by Colorado State University Extension, the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, and the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History, in consultation with state and federal agencies, researchers, scientists, and land managers across the state.

Study Leads

Colorado State University Extension: Deryn Davidson (PI), Sustainable Landscape State Specialist
Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation: 
Steve Armstead, Pollinator Conservation & Nature-Based Climate Solutions Specialist
University of Colorado Museum of Natural History: Adrian Carper, Research Associate

Logos of Xerces Society, Colorado State University, and University of Colorado Natural History Museum

Timeline for Study
Research and Development: February - July 2023

  • Data collection, team organization, institutional science reviews

  • Outreach to agencies, surveys and interviews, compilation of  results

Analysis and Synthesis: July - October 2023

  • Combine and synthesize results, develop BMPs, feedback from DNR

  • Develop draft study for agency review

Recommendations and Final Report: October - December 2023

  • Revise draft study to incorporate agency feedback

  • Final study editing and presentation

Final Report to Governor Polis - January 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

A key component of the study is to assess current state land manager practices that support and protect healthy and diverse insect pollinator communities and recommend additional best practices for state programs including mitigation factors and highlight opportunities for management, protection, and recovery efforts. The study will also include potential recommendations for how the state can develop an effective education and outreach programs to raise public awareness, engagement and actions that encourage protecting the health of native pollinating insects in the state.

In addition to collaborating with Department of Natural Resources to assess management practices, the study will also focus on other state agencies including the Department of Transportation, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Public Health and Environment and seek input from several federal agencies including the US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service and Department of Agriculture to learn about their existing programs related to native insect pollinators.

The focus of this study is to address state agency programs and resources. While there are many other insect pollinator programs and land management efforts happening at regional, county, and local levels, this study will not include an assessment nor recommendations related to programs other than state programs. The study will collect information about and make recommendations to the Department of Natural Resources and other state agencies on potential programs and organizations beyond state-level programs that may be helpful to coordinate or collaborate with to enhance pollinator conservation efforts across the state. Learn more on how to participate in Colorado pollinator conservation.