On Friday, April 19, more than a dozen prominent environmental organizations gathered at the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) in Northeast to sign the Mississippi River Operation Pollination Partnership, a collaboration between multiple organizations that have a stake in protecting the Mississippi River’s natural environment.
The National Park Service welcomed signers and an audience of pollinator supporters, including Columbia Heights Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula. Park Ranger Chris Stein served as emcee. Stein said, “If you like to eat, you should support pollinators. If you have the ability to help create pollinator habitat, please do so. Earlier this week at the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area in Louisiana, the executive director there signed this same document … showing the interconnectedness of all of us who live along the river.”
The groups that signed this Operation Pollination Partnership agree that “pollinator loss” is a major environmental concern for the planet’s future health. In turn, these groups support local organizations and residents pledging to take action to help make the world a better place for our children and their children.
While science tells us that insect pollinators are responsible for the reproductive success of more than 85% of the plants on the planet, in just the past 50 years, more than 40% of pollinators on Earth have disappeared.
The groups that signed the Mississippi River Operation Pollination Partnership are: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, The Mississippi River Parkway Commission, Rotary International, District 5950, ESRAG (Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group), University of Minnesota Art Department, Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, Monarch Joint Venture, Operation Pollination, Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, The document was electronically signed by Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership, Pollinator Friendly Alliance, Homegrown National Park, Minnesota Watersheds, University of Minnesota Entomology Department, Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor, Columbia Heights, river advocate and Rotarian Roz Schnick (visionary of the Mississippi River Operation Pollination Partnership).
Organizations that would like to pledge support for this riverwide pollinator protection effort should visit https://esrag.org/operation-pollination and sign the resolution and/or pledge. If you are a resident (not associated with an organization), you too can help: Use the power of your yard to plant pollinator habitat. Every bit helps.
Operation Pollination
Pollination Goals
• Increase and improve pollinator habitat by identifying existing pockets of pollinator habitat and helping develop a nectar corridor for migratory and nonmigratory pollinator species.
• Develop strategic partnerships for improving or creating habitat for pollinators and providing educational opportunities.
• Encourage action through voluntary, collaborative and locally led conservation actions such as planting pollinator gardens, building bee blocks and avoiding or limiting pesticide use.
• Provide education to those interested in increasing their knowledge of pollinators and improving pollinator habitat.
• Promote community science opportunities to track key pollinator species populations and share research and resources about restoring pollinator habitat.