The Forests and Wildlife Stewards submitted support for eight pollinator- and pesticide-related bills this legislative session that stand a good chance of full passage to protect wildlife and people. These include three bills to provide funding for native plant gardening by Minnesotans ("Lawn to Legumes"); for roadside vegetation and living snow fence purposes ("Highways to Habitats"); and for a neonics study in deer and prairie chicken. The five other bills would allow MN cities to authorize pesticide-control ordinances; prohibit registration of pesticides containing PFAS for sale in MN; prevent false labeling of pesticide-treated plants as pollinator-friendly; better regulate the use, storage and disposal of pesticide-treated seed; and set up comprehensive systemic pesticide-seed regulation, monitoring and alternatives programs.
With a coalition of sixteen organizations, the Stewards supported the Swan Protection Act, which would ban lead sinkers on water bodies where swans nest, migrate, and forage; provide swan protection education and outreach and lead tackle collection efforts across Minnesota; and increase fines for killing, injuring or possessing tundra and trumpeter swans. The bill would also benefit loons, eagles, and other birds and animals.