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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Robert Matzie |
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Matzie's House resolution is for the bees
HARRISBURG, June 23 – State Rep. Robert F. Matzie, D-Allegheny/Beaver, said the state House has approved his resolution designating this week as "Pollinator Week" in Pennsylvania.
House Resolution 861 designates June 21 through 27, 2010, as "Pollinator Week" throughout the Commonwealth.
"Pollinator species such as birds, insects and bees are essential partners of farmers and ranchers in producing much of our food supply," Matzie said. "Pollination plays a vital role in the health of our national forests and grasslands, as well as enhances economic development opportunities for communities."
Matzie’s resolution recognizes the state’s Bee Law, which provides conservation assistance for the protection and maintenance of pollinators and their habitats through the Department of Agriculture.
It also notes the work of the Pollinator Partnership, a nonprofit organization that protects the health of native pollinating animals vital to North American ecosystems; the Pennsylvania Beekeepers Association; the Department of Agriculture; and other stakeholders that help to promote pollination, beekeeping and the production of honey in Pennsylvania.
Matzie’s resolution is aimed at protecting pollinators critical to food and ecosystems through conservation, education and research. The Commonwealth has managed wildlife habitats and public lands such as forests and grasslands for decades.
A copy of the resolution will be sent to the governor, the Department of Agriculture, the Pennsylvania Beekeepers Association and the Pollination Partnership.
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