Wondering where we're at with some of our biggest policy challenges and major projects this year? Read on!
Pesticide Applicators Act
Discussions around the Pesticide Applicators Act (PAA) sunset bill are underway and PPAN is advocating for the strongest bill possible with provisions that protect human, pollinator, and ecosystem health.
With the bill's introduction just around the corner, now is the time to contact your legislators to let them know where you stand. Find your legislator HERE and contact them advocating for:
(1) returning control of pesticide use to municipalities. Currently, the PAA preempts communities from protecting unique local resources and public health in their jurisdictions.
(2) Also let them know that you feel the Pesticide Sensitivity Registry provisions (recommended by the Department of Regulatory Agencies) should be included in this bill.
Protect Our Pollinators Habitat Fund
We are so excited to be officially launching the Protect Our Pollinators Habitat Fund in support of habitat
creation around the state!
Backed by sales of the Colorado Pollinator License Plate, this fund will provide small grants* to community organizations, businesses, governments, schools, farms, tribes, public housing, and other institutions to develop, expand, restore, or protect healthy pollinator habitat.
We are prioritizing projects that:
(1) are located within marginalized communities
(2) maximize community outreach
(3) increase biodiversity
(4) have matching funds or existing capacity to implement
*Please note that we are unfortunately unable to award grants to individuals at this time.
Visit our new Habitat Fund webpage for more information and to apply for the program! The deadline for the first round of applications is April 7th.
Colorado Native Pollinating Insects Study
We're excited to share that the Native Pollinating Insects Study is underway! The CO Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced lead roles for the study, including:
(1) Deryn Davidson--Sustainable Landscape State Specialist, Colorado State University Extension
(2) Steve Armstead--Pollinator Conservation & Nature-Based Climate Solutions Specialist, Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
(3) Adrian Carper--Research Associate, University of Colorado Museum of Natural History.
PPAN serves on the DNR Pollinator Study leadership team and will help identify education and outreach opportunities during the Study, which must be completed and presented to the Governor by January 1, 2024. Read more in the governor's press release HERE!
