USGS Bee Lab Closure and Letter of Support
Sam Droege
All:
What we feared might happen appears to be happening. The USGS Bee Lab is currently defunded under the President's budget for 2026. Not directly but the group (Ecosystems Management) funds the bee lab is not being funded in the proposal and this mirrors that information in the Project 2025 report that also suggest that group be eliminated.
Many of you have reached out to ask about helping and that is possible!
The advice we have gotten is that you can send a letter of support if you have benefited from our existence, help, and resources.
See information below
Feel free to distribute.
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HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP THE BEE LAB
This is important…and easy.
Also important to send in your information over the next couple of days.
What is Happening:
· The USGS Bee Lab is at risk of being permanently closed due to cuts in the 2026 Federal Budget and looming federal RIF’s
· Specifically, the Ecosystem Mission Area (EMA) budget, which funds the USGS Bee Lab and the Eastern Ecological Science center has been zeroed out
· Thousands of layoffs to hit Interior, National Parks imminently - Government Executive
What you can do
· Write to your representatives, the White House, and the Department of the Interior that they should restore the funding for the USGS Bee Lab
· Send digital or physical letters, write emails, post to social media
What you should be highlighting:
· Personal anecdotes about how the Bee Lab has impacted you or your organization
· How important the research the Bee Lab is conducting is to your state
Contact Information:
1. Representatives: Find Your Representative | house.gov
2. Senators: U.S. Senate: Contacting U.S. Senators
3. White House: Contact Us – The White House
4. Interior: feed...@ios.doi.gov
Send a copy of the letter to droe...@gmail.com
Pass this email around. Post your response to social media
Thanks
sam
Neil S Cobb
I am responding to a recent government article entitled “Thousands of layoffs to hit Interior, National Parks imminently”. I am concerned explicitly about reducing or eliminating the Ecosystem Mission Area (EMA) budget, which funds the USGS Bee Lab at the Eastern Ecological Science Center.
Important background facts
Although the European honey bee, Apis mellifera, is an important pollinator of many agricultural plants, native bee species are critical for both pollinating agricultural and native plants.
Both honey bees and native bees are experiencing alarming declines due to a number of environmental factors.
We cannot manage or conserve important species if we do not know where they live or what plants depend on their pollination services. It is essential to document the distributions of the ~3,900 native bee species in the United States and the plant species dependent on these bees. Over half of the native bee species distributions in the United States are incomplete, and more than 20% of recorded species have not been re-documented in over 25 years.
To understand and mitigate the declines in native bee species, we must train people to monitor, identify, and publicly share information on the thousands of bees native to the United States.
The USGS Bee Lab provides critical services for our nation
They have produced the most extensive bee occurrence and monitoring dataset for the United States for over two decades. Our knowledge of native bee distributions, population numbers, and the plants they pollinate in the United States would be much more incomplete without their efforts.
They are instrumental in ensuring that native bee data from the Bee Lab and collaborating researchers are publicly available. This includes many species-level identification services that are not available anywhere else. This data has been used in literally thousands of scientific publications. The Bee Lab also moderates the bee monitoring listserv, which connects both professional and amateur ecologists interested in native bees across the nation and around the world by providing a forum for people to ask questions, share news, and get feedback and insights on bee-related data.
3. They have provided necessary training to hundreds of bee taxonomists and parataxonomists, i.e., people, such as ecologists, biologists, or conservationists, who become experts in bee identification for specific regions or bee groups they are working on. The Bee Lab also provides invaluable taxonomic, ecological, and monitoring training to many interested farmers, landowners, and students. They produce, maintain, and regularly update publicly available guides, protocols, and other learning resources that are core elements of research labs, museums, and classroom curricula.
4. They regularly facilitate public outreach and awareness for bees and pollinators through seminars, interviews, and photographic techniques. The photographic procedures the lab has developed and shared publicly for macro imaging insects has greatly benefited many scientists, students, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.
The USGS Bee Lab is an exemplary program model not just for bees, but for all other insect groups at the regional and national levels. There is no other entity in the United States working on any other group of arthropods that provides or performs this kind of support and service. It is truly unique. The USGS Bee Lab’s efforts have significantly contributed to the United States’ ability to provide and maintain the highest quality data available worldwide for native bee species. This paramount data not only provides important information for conserving native plant species, but it is essential in ensuring the pollination of the crops our nation depends on. It is crucial for the United States ecological and agricultural well-being that the USGS Bee Lab at the Eastern Ecological Science Center retains current funding levels to continue its unique and indispensable services.
Neil S. Cobb,
Biodiversity Outreach Network Business Office: 285 W Rome Way, Paulden, AZ86334; Operations Office: 11 W Silver Spruce Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86001-3541 ID 84-2609936
Mobile Office - Text & WhatsApp: 928-607-4075
Zoom Office: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81630476460
ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6155-9444
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Zarrillo, Tracy
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tracy Zarrillo
Assistant Agricultural Scientist 1
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
123 Huntington Street
New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 974-8473 (office)
(203) 654-1541 (cell)
Sent: Friday, May 9, 2025 11:31 AM
To: droe...@gmail.com <droe...@gmail.com>
Cc: beemon...@googlegroups.com <beemon...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [Beemonitoring] USGS Bee Lab Closure and Letter of Support
EXTERNAL EMAIL: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click
any links or open any attachments unless you trust the sender and know the content is safe.
Ron Miksha
[Americans are concerned that a reduction of funding for the USGS Bee Lab may result in serious unintended detrimental effects, including smaller agricultural crops,
adverse impacts on watersheds, reduction of sports hunting and fishing, unmonitored spread of alien insect pests, and lower property values.]
I am specifically concerned that reducing or eliminating
the Ecosystem Mission Area (EMA) budget, which funds the USGS Bee Lab at the Eastern Ecological Science Center, may have multiple direct and indirect impacts on
our everyone's quality of life.
Important background facts
-
Although the European honey bee, Apis mellifera, is an important pollinator of many agricultural plants, native bee species are critical for both pollinating agricultural and native plants.
-
Both honey bees and native bees are experiencing alarming declines due to a number of
environmentalfactors.
-
We cannot manage or conserve important species if we do not know where they live or what plants depend on
theirthem for pollinationservices. It is essential todocument the distributionsknow the number and location of the ~3,900 native bee species in the United States and the plant species that dependdependenton these bees. Over half of the native bee species distributions in the United States are incomplete, and more than 20% of recorded species have not been re-documented in over 25 years.
To understand and mitigate the declines in native bee species, we must train people to monitor, identify, and publicly share information on the thousands of bees native to the United States.
The USGS Bee Lab provides critical services for our nation
1. They have produced the most extensive bee occurrence and monitoring dataset for the United States for over two decades. Our knowledge of native bee distributions, population numbers, and the plants they pollinate in the United States would be much more incomplete without their efforts.
2. They are instrumental in ensuring that native bee data from the Bee Lab and collaborating researchers are publicly available. This includes many species-level identification
services that are not available anywhere else. This data has been used in literally thousands of scientific publications. The Bee Lab also moderates the bee monitoring listserv, which connects both professional and amateur ecologists interested in native
bees across the nation and around the world by providing a forum for people to ask questions, share news, and get feedback and insights on bee-related data.
3. They have provided necessary training to hundreds of bee taxonomists and parataxonomists, i.e., people, such as ecologists, biologists, or conservationists, who become
experts in bee identification for specific regions or bee groups they are working on. The Bee Lab also provides invaluable taxonomic, ecological, and monitoring training to many interested farmers, landowners, and students. They produce, maintain, and
regularly update publicly available guides, protocols, and other learning resources that are core elements of research labs, museums, and classroom curricula.
4. They regularly facilitate public outreach and awareness for bees and pollinators through seminars, interviews, and photographic techniques. The photographic procedures the lab has developed and shared publicly for macro imaging insects has greatly benefited many scientists, students, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.
The USGS Bee Lab is an exemplary program model not just for bees, but for all other insect groups at the regional and national levels. There is no other entity in the
United States working on any other group of arthropods that provides or performs this kind of support and service. It is truly unique. The USGS Bee Lab’s efforts have significantly contributed to the United States’ ability to provide and maintain the highest
quality data available worldwide for native bee species. This paramount data not only provides important information for conserving native plant species, but it is essential in ensuring the pollination
[of billions of dollars' worth] of the crops our nation depends on our nation's crops.
It is crucial for the United States['] ecological and agricultural well-being that the USGS Bee Lab at the Eastern Ecological Science Center retains current funding levels to continue its unique and indispensable services.
Sent: Friday, May 09, 2025 9:46 AM
To: droe...@gmail.com; neil...@gmail.com
Cc: beemon...@googlegroups.com
da...@crownbees.com
I used an AI generator, which might have this be more readable?
Dear [Representative/Senator] [Last Name],
I am writing to express deep concern over proposed reductions in funding for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bee Lab, housed within the Ecosystem Mission Area (EMA) at the Eastern Ecological Science Center.
A funding cut or elimination of this program could lead to serious and far-reaching unintended consequences, including:
- Reduced agricultural yields
- Impacts on watershed health
- Declines in game species that support recreational hunting and fishing
- Spread of invasive insect pests
- Lower property values due to ecological imbalances
Here’s why this matters: While the European honey bee plays a role in agriculture, native bees are absolutely critical for pollinating both crops and native plants. However, both honey bees and native bees are facing alarming population declines, and without robust monitoring, we risk losing the ability to track, understand, and conserve these essential pollinators.
The USGS Bee Lab provides the only comprehensive, long-term national dataset on native bee distributions, abundance, and the plant species they pollinate. Over 20% of native bee species haven’t been re-documented in 25 years, and more than half have incomplete range data. Without continued support, we will lose the ability to monitor and protect these essential species.
The USGS Bee Lab is irreplaceable. It:
- Maintains the most comprehensive bee monitoring dataset in the U.S.
- Supports open access to vital data used in thousands of scientific studies
- Trains hundreds of professionals, students, farmers, and landowners to monitor and identify native bees
- Offers essential public resources, including field guides and identification protocols
- Serves as a hub for national and international collaboration through its moderated listserv
- Leads public education through seminars, interviews, and cutting-edge insect photography
This program is a gold standard not only for bee research, but for ecological monitoring across all insect groups. No other entity in the country provides this level of technical support, training, data stewardship, and outreach for native bees or other arthropods.
For the ecological and agricultural health of our nation, I strongly urge you to preserve the full funding of the USGS Bee Lab and the EMA program that supports it. Their work directly supports biodiversity, food security, and scientific excellence in the United States.
Thank you for your leadership and your attention to this critical issue.
| Dave Hunter Founder & Owner, Crown Bees phone: 425.949.7954 mobile: 206.851.1263 address: 17721 132nd Ave NE, Woodinville WA 98072 web: crownbees.com email: dave@crownbees.com connect: Crown Bees Social Links |
Ron Miksha
Ian Lane
Joel Gardner
To that original, I also think it might be useful to connect the USGS bee monitoring work to national security. National Security, of course, is the God that government officials worship above all others, so if we can tie the Bee Lab to that, it should earn some points, especially with the ones who might not care about pollination, science, or outreach. Something along the lines of:
"2. The USGS bee monitoring dataset is instrumental in detecting the numerous invasive species introduced to the US and enabling swift action. The rate of invasions is yearly increasing in today's globalized world, and several non-native bees have already spread and established throughout the US, including the Giant Resin Bee introduced from China, which harms native carpenter bees. Stopping the bee monitoring program will compromise our national security by allowing more invasive bees to spread unchecked and unchallenged, threatening American agriculture.
3. They are instrumental in ensuring that the native bee data..."
(I feel kind of dirty for playing off anti-China and anti-immigrant sentiment here, but you gotta do what you gotta do to get politicians to listen. We know that facts and education don't hold much weight anymore.)
Joel
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/beemonitoring/CAAyyK6%3DNST8KgaDUEOi757NgqkfWB5m-UGCioxWAsWUOiFtqig%40mail.gmail.com.
Zarrillo, Tracy
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tracy Zarrillo
Assistant Agricultural Scientist 1
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
123 Huntington Street
New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 974-8473 (office)
(203) 654-1541 (cell)
Sent: Friday, May 9, 2025 3:29 PM
To: beemon...@googlegroups.com <beemon...@googlegroups.com>
csatyshu
Neil S Cobb
Dear [Representative/Senator] [Last Name],
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding proposed funding cuts to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Bee Lab, housed within the Ecosystem Mission Area at the Eastern Ecological Science Center (EMA). This program is vital to the health of our ecosystems, agriculture, and national security. Its continued support is critical.
Why This Matters
While the European honey bee plays a role in agriculture, native bees are essential for pollinating both crops and native plants. However, both honey bees and native bees are facing alarming population declines, and without robust monitoring, we risk losing the ability to track, understand, and conserve these essential pollinators.
We cannot manage or conserve these essential species without knowing where they live, plants rely on their pollination, and which invasive species are threatening them. The U.S. is home to approximately 3,900 native bee species, yet over half lack complete distribution data, and more than 20% have not been re-documented in over 25 years. Addressing these gaps requires dedicated efforts to monitor, identify, and share information about our native bees—a mission the USGS Bee Lab uniquely fulfills.
The USGS Bee Lab’s Critical Role
Unparalleled Data and Research Support:
For over two decades, the Bee Lab has produced the most comprehensive dataset on native bee occurrences and monitoring in the U.S. Without their efforts, our understanding of native bee populations and the plants they support would be severely limited. These efforts have also contributed to documenting several non-native bees that have spread and become established in the U.S., including the Giant Resin Bee introduced from China. This data has informed thousands of scientific studies and is crucial for agricultural productivity, conservation, and national security.Ensuring Public Access to Vital Data:
The Bee Lab makes native bee data publicly available, providing species-level identification services unavailable anywhere else. They also manage the national bee monitoring listserv, a vital forum connecting professional and amateur ecologists nationwide and internationally.Training the Next Generation of Experts:
The Bee Lab has trained hundreds of taxonomists, parataxonomists, and conservationists, equipping them with essential skills to identify and monitor native bees. They also provide invaluable training and resources for farmers, landowners, students, and researchers, including publicly available guides and protocols used in research labs, museums, and classrooms nationwide.Leadership in Public Outreach and Education:
Through seminars, interviews, and cutting-edge photographic techniques for macro imaging, the Bee Lab has raised awareness about bee conservation and inspired countless scientists, students, and nature enthusiasts.
This program is a gold standard not only for bee research, but for ecological monitoring across all insect groups. No other entity in the country provides this technical support, training, data stewardship, and outreach for native bees or other arthropods.
For our nation's ecological and agricultural health, as well as national security, I strongly urge you to preserve the full funding of the USGS Bee Lab and the EMA program that supports it. Their work directly supports biodiversity, food security, invasive species control, and scientific excellence in the United States.
Thank you for your leadership and your attention to this critical issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Neil S. Cobb,
Biodiversity Outreach Network Business Office: 285 W Rome Way, Paulden, AZ86334; Operations Office: 11 W Silver Spruce Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86001-3541 ID 84-2609936
Mobile Office - Text & WhatsApp: 928-607-4075
Zoom Office: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81630476460
ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6155-9444
Neil S Cobb
Neil S. Cobb,
Biodiversity Outreach Network Business Office: 285 W Rome Way, Paulden, AZ86334; Operations Office: 11 W Silver Spruce Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86001-3541 ID 84-2609936
Mobile Office - Text & WhatsApp: 928-607-4075
Zoom Office: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81630476460
ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6155-9444
GreetingsI've not read all the emails on this thread, but I am wonderingwhether having "foreigners" send similar messages would havea +ve or a -ve influence? If the former, then who should wewrite to? Perhaps encouraging one of Canada's ministers to expressconcern would be a good idea?cheers and GOOD LUCK!Sent: Friday, May 09, 2025 at 4:04 PM
From: "Neil S Cobb" <neil...@gmail.com>
To: tracy.z...@ct.gov
Cc: "beemon...@googlegroups.com" <beemon...@googlegroups.com>, "clickbe...@gmail.com" <clickbe...@gmail.com>
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/beemonitoring/CACmApPhb5R45iebUJkZZmv9XFHvcC%2BJKsfJW2R4M99sPW6REvw%40mail.gmail.com.
Zarrillo, Tracy
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tracy Zarrillo
Assistant Agricultural Scientist 1
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
123 Huntington Street
New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 974-8473 (office)
(203) 654-1541 (cell)
Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2025 11:56 AM
To: laurence packer <geodi...@mail.com>
Cc: Zarrillo, Tracy <Tracy.Z...@ct.gov>; beemon...@googlegroups.com <beemon...@googlegroups.com>; clickbe...@gmail.com <clickbe...@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Beemonitoring] USGS Bee Lab Closure and Letter of Support
EXTERNAL EMAIL: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click
any links or open any attachments unless you trust the sender and know the content is safe.
David Cappaert
Bigger question: what is the outlook for DL in light of budget cuts? The first issue is maintenance. Partly this is about tweaks and improvements. But additionally, large and complicated databases can't just sit in place and function without oversight and troubleshooting (e.g., in DOS attacks). Beyond that, is there a risk that someone just pulls the plug? I raise these questions in case there are actions we can take. Presumably the underlying files could be exported for possible resurrection. An easier (though daunting) task would be to download an archive of species pages--I could do this myself for a subset, but we would need a scheme to organize.
David Cappaert
----------------------------------------
Droege, Sam
Just saw that DL was down
Have texted Pick
DL is completely independent. No link to gov funds. I will remain functioning as it always has and will continuing supporting guide updates/pictures/updates.
From: beemon...@googlegroups.com <beemon...@googlegroups.com>
On Behalf Of David Cappaert
Sent: Monday, May 12, 2025 10:18 AM
To: Zarrillo, Tracy <Tracy.Z...@ct.gov>
Cc: Neil S Cobb <neil...@gmail.com>; laurence packer <geodi...@mail.com>; beemon...@googlegroups.com; clickbe...@gmail.com
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: [Beemonitoring] USGS Bee Lab Closure and Letter of Support
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laurence packer
From: "Neil S Cobb" <neil...@gmail.com>
To: tracy.z...@ct.gov
Cc: "beemon...@googlegroups.com" <beemon...@googlegroups.com>, "clickbe...@gmail.com" <clickbe...@gmail.com>