OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A hive of activity by an Oklahoma state agency to help save the declining bee population has a local beekeeper abuzz.
The Oklahoman reports that federal agriculture officials say managed honey bee colonies have been on the decline for decades, decreasing from 5 million in the 1940s to about 2.5 million today. The bees also help pollinate a large amount of crops annually.
In an effort to help find solutions, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry has developed a draft pollinator protection plan. Some of the plan's proposals include developing and distributing a list of alternative pesticides less toxic to bees and creating a website with information on protecting pollinators.
Beekeeper Randy Brady says he's impressed the agency is working on "putting something in place."