Responding to the US national pollinator plan: a case study in Michigan

The long-term health of pollinators is a critical issue for the functioning of natural habitats and for agricultural production. In response to widespread public concern about the future of these ecologically and economically important animals, in 2015 the US Government released a national strategy to support pollinators, including research priorities, directives for funding, and timelines for achieving three overarching goals. Five years after this strategic plan was released, we evaluate progress toward the national targets for improved honey bee (Apis mellifera) overwintering survival, expanded pollinator habitat, and larger monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) populations, and find that the three goals of the plan have not yet been reached. Our research and extension programs to improve the health of honey bees, wild bees, and monarch butterflies in the US state of Michigan are described, providing opportunities to contribute to the national pollinator goals.

Automated summary

The long-term health of pollinators is crucial for natural habitats and agricultural production. Despite the national strategy released by the US Government in 2015 to support pollinators, goals for honey bee survival, pollinator habitat expansion, and monarch butterfly population growth have not been met five years later. Research and extension programs in Michigan aim to improve the health of pollinators and contribute to national goals.