HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0786.037 2022-2024From: Val Kimbrough
Sent: Monday, August 5, 2024 11:11 AM
To: Council Testimony CZ
Subject: Bee Bill 144
I am writing to support Bee Bill 144.
As a beekeeper and beekeeping educator, I am dedicated to helping beekeepers in HaWmi rate,
bees successfully.
Why this bill is important:
Environmental Benefits - Honey bees play a crucial role in pollinating plants. By allowing
beekeeping on smaller properties, we increase the population of pollinators, which helps sustain
local ecosystems and agricultural production.
Biodiversity - Bees contribute to an area's biodiversity by helping maintain various plants. Plant
diversity supports a broader range of native wildlife, promoting a healthier and more balanced
ecosystem.
Educational Opportunities - Beekeeping can be an excellent tool for children and adults. It provides
hands-on learning experiences about biology, ecology, and the importance of pollinators. Schools,
community groups, and families can use beekeeping to foster a deeper understanding of the
natural world and environmental stewardship.
Health and Wellness - Beekeeping allows for the production of local honey, which has many health
benefits, such as helping with allergies, providing a natural sweetener, and containing antioxidants.
Access to fresh, local honey can contribute to the community's well-being.
Therapeutic Activity - It can be a therapeutic and stress -relieving hobby. Engaging with bees and
nature has reduced stress levels and promoted mental health.
Economic Benefits - Beekeeping can become a source of supplemental income by selling honey,
beeswax, and other bee -related products. This can be beneficial for families looking to diversify
their income streams.
Support Local Agriculture - Bees improve crop yields through pollination, enhancing local
agricultural productivity. This benefits individual gardeners, local farmers, and the broader
community by ensuring a more extensive food supply.
Community and Social Benefits - Foster a sense of community as neighbors and local groups
come together to support and learn from each other. Sharing honey and knowledge about
beekeeping can strengthen social ties and a sense of communal achievement.
Urban Greening - Encouraging beekeeping in smaller properties can lead to more urban green
spaces. People may plant more flowers, trees, and gardens to support their bees, contributing to
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urban beautification and green initiatives.
Regulation and Safety - With proper guidelines and education, beekeeping on smaller properties
can be safe and manageable. Beekeepers can learn best practices to ensure their hives are healthy
and non -disruptive to neighbors. Many cities have successfully integrated urban beekeeping with
minimal issues, demonstrating that it can be done responsibly.
Support for Small -Scale Beekeepers - Allowing beekeeping on smaller properties supports
hobbyists and small-scale beekeepers who might need access to more extensive tracts of land.
This inclusivity ensures that beekeeping is not just a privilege for those with extensive properties
but is accessible to a broader range of people.
Permitting beekeeping on 20,000 square feet or fewer properties offers many benefits, from
environmental and economic advantages to educational and community -building opportunities.
Supporting urban and suburban beekeeping can enhance biodiversity, promote sustainability, and
foster a greater citizen appreciation for nature. Proper regulation and education can mitigate
potential risks, making this a worthwhile and beneficial practice for all.
Sincerely,
Val Kimbrough
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