HB26-1132: Practices to Support Pollinators Approved by the Legislature!

The legislative body has demonstrated a meaningful commitment to the conservation and restoration of our scenic landscapes– making Colorado even more colorful by passing, HB26-1332 Practices to Support Pollinators.

What the Law Will Mean

The 2024 Colorado Native Pollinating Insects Health Study made something clear: habitat loss and non-native plants are some of the primary drivers of pollinator decline in Colorado. It also pointed to what the state should do about it– prioritize the protection, restoration, and connection of pollinator habitat. And that's exactly what HB26-1132 will do.

Once signed into law by Governor Polis, the new law will encourage four state agencies– the State Forest Service, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Personnel, and Department of Transportation– to prioritize native, eco-regionally appropriate plant species on state-owned lands. Additionally, these agencies will be encouraged to coordinate their purchasing, which should lower costs, create more consistent demand, and support Colorado's native plant growers.

The bill also balances native plant use with other priorities, like wildfire mitigation and climate resilience, so improvements are site-appropriate, not one-size-fits-all. To better understand these site-appropriate improvements, the bill requires basic training for land managers and maintenance crews in native plant identification and pollinator-friendly practices.

Furthermore, the bill directs the Office of the State Architect to focus on landscaping for pollinator health when grounds are being renovated.

Finally, CSU Extension is authorized to study native plant availability, supply chains, and demand, subject to funding. That research will help fill gaps we still have and keep Colorado's pollinator conservation grounded in real data as the work continues.

Deepest Thanks from PPAN to the Leaders & Supporters of HB26-1132

• Thank you to the bill sponsors for their leadership and enthusiasm for transforming our state lands: Reps Froelich & Lindsay, Senators Kipp & Bridges.

• Thank you to the Governor's office and our partners in the state departments.

• Thank you to our partners who provided their support and technical expertise.

• Thank you to our friends at The Xerces Society, CSU Extension and the CU Museum of Natural History, the authors of the 2024 Native Pollinating Insects Health Study that gave this bill its backbone and whose work continues to guide pollinator conservation in Colorado. 

• Thank you to Melissa Ordelheide and Siegel Long Public Affairs.

"This is a significant moment for native plants and the pollinators that rely on them. We see a real opportunity to continue to improve how native plants are used and maintained on state lands, enhancing resilience and biodiversity for years to come." - Joyce Kennedy, PPAN Executive Director