[PCA] Non-Native Bumble Bee Introduction Proposed

[Jennifer Kalt]

FYI,
The California Department of Food and Agriculture has proposed 
introduction of a non-native bumble bee in 23 counties, despite evidence 
of impacts to native pollinators, native plants, and the potential for 
increased pollination of non-native plants. For more information, visit
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/pe/bees.htm. Comments on the Negative 
Declaration are due Jan. 19.

My understanding is that CDFA is the Lead Agency reviewing the 
environmental consequences, and is also the project proponent. Since 
there are no listed bumble bees under state or federal law, I am not 
sure which public trust agencies will be reviewing this proposal.

-- 
Jennifer Kalt
Conservation Chair
North Coast Chapter
California Native Plant Society
P.O. Box 1067
Arcata, CA  95518
http://northcoastcnps.org/

The California Native Plant Society's mission is to preserve and protect 
native plants in their natural habitats.


Notice of Intent to adopt a Negative Declaration for
a proposal to introduce a non-native bumblebee, Bombus impatiens, into
the agro-ecological system of the state of California for crop pollination.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has prepared 
and intends to adopt a Negative Declaration for the proposed 
introduction of a non-native bumblebee, Bombus impatiens, into the 
agro-ecological system of the state of California for crop pollination
in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and 
State CEQA Guidelines. CDFA is the lead agency for the project under CEQA.

Description of the Proposed Project:

The proposed project consists of a request for a permit to allow the 
introduction of the non-native bumblebee Bombus impatiens as a 
pollinator for fruit, nut and vegetable crops in the state of 
California. Source of Bombus impatiens and all constituents is Koppert 
Biological Systems, State of Michigan. The timing of introduction would 
be from weeks 3 through 22 of the calendar year. Pollination duration in 
the field would be for a maximum of 5 weeks.

Project Location:

Introductions would be exclusively south of 39° latitude in agricultural 
areas, specifically the following counties: Yolo, Sacramento, San 
Joaquin, Solano, Stanislaus, Merced, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San 
Benito, Monterey, Fresno, Madera, Kings, Tulare, San Luis Obispo, Kern, 
San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Orange, Riverside, San Diego and 
Imperial. (see attached map)

Public Review Period:

The Negative Declaration and Initial Study are being circulated for 
public review and comment as required by the State CEQA Guidelines for a 
period of 30 days starting December 21, 2006 and ending January 19, 
2007.  Written comments on either the adequacy of the environmental 
information and/or the merits of the project must be submitted no later 
than January 19, 2007 
 
                         to the following address:
	
Mr. Jim Rains
California Department of Food and Agriculture
1220 N, Street Room A-316
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 651-9371

Copies of the Negative Declaration and Initial Study may be obtained at 
the address and/or contact shown above and are also available for review 
at this address Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. The 
documents can also be accessed at the following web site:
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/pe/bees.htm
No public meetings and/or workshops are planned at this time for this 
project.  Appropriate public notice will be provided if any are 
subsequently scheduled during the public review period.

CDFA assumes that the importation on the non native bumblebees will not 
occur in areas of listed hazardous waste facilities, land designated as 
hazardous waste property and hazardous waste disposal sites.


 > Notice of Intent to adopt a Mitigated Negative
 > Declaration for a proposal to introduce non-native bumblebees for
 > pollination of field crops in California. The public comment period
 > for this project is December 21, 2006 to January 19, 2007. Comments on
 > either the adequacy of the environmental information and/or the merits
 > of the project will be accepted and considered.
 >
 > Sincerely,
 >
 > Jim Rains
 > Staff Environmental Scientist
 > Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services Division
 > California Department of Food and Agriculture
 > 1220 N Street, Room A-316
 > Sacramento, CA. 95814
 > Phone: 916 651-9371
 > Fax 916 654-1018
 > jrains at cdfa.ca.gov