Regenerative Ecosystems Archives

Jul 2024

The Plight of Bees and Their Role in Food Security

John Jordan-Cascade

Sweat Bee In Aster by Debi Murk

As we launch another summer of our ever-popular Beauty of the Bee Photo Contest, it offers an opportunity to spread the good word about the inherent, sacred beauty of humanity's constant insect companion, the bee. It's also a chance to reflect on its truly remarkable value to our survival as a species, fully engaged with agriculture as a way of life.

Bees have recently been declared the most important living beings on Earth by the Earthwatch Institute during a meeting at the Royal Geographical Society of London. This declaration highlights the crucial role bees play in maintaining our ecosystems and food security. Bees are responsible for pollinating around 70% of the world's crops, making them indispensable for food production.¹

Celebrate the Beauty of Bees and WIN!

Did you know that bees play a vital role in creating the foods we love? From crunchy autumn apples and delicious summer blueberries to fiber-filled almonds and sweet tomatoes, bees are our tiny, unsung heroes in food growing and harvesting. Without bees, our dinner tables would have far less variety.

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Honeybee hive photo courtesy of Autumn Steam, first place winner of our first Beauty of the Bee Photo Contest.

Honey Bees vs. Native Bees

When we think of bees, we often picture honey bees. Honey bees are known for producing honey and living in large colonies. Recently, news reports have pointed to the beginning of a recovery of honey bee populations (more references below). This is great news, but it's important to remember that honey bees are not the only pollinators.

Native bees are also crucial for pollination. There are over 4,000 species of native bees in North America alone, and they come in many shapes and sizes. The Oregon Bee Atlas project estimates around 800 species of native bees live in Oregon.* Some native bees are even better at pollinating certain crops than honey bees. For example, bumblebees are excellent pollinators of tomatoes and blueberries. Native bees often work more efficiently because they have different ways of collecting pollen and are active in different weather conditions than honey bees.

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Photo by Linda Cousino, "Sharing Is Caring," winner of the Facebook Choice Award in the 2021 Beauty of the Bee Photo Contest

Current state of the crisis

As of 2024, the situation regarding bee populations in the U.S. shows some surprising developments. Honeybee populations, in particular, have seen significant growth. Over the past five years, the number of honeybee colonies has increased by more than one million, bringing the total to nearly 4 million. This increase is largely attributed to the economic value of honeybees, especially for crops like almonds, which rely heavily on honey bee pollination. This economic necessity has driven efforts to maintain and even expand honeybee populations despite ongoing challenges such as diseases and environmental stresses.²

However, the situation is not uniformly positive across all bee species. Far from it! Wild bees and other native bee species continue to face severe challenges, including habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and diseases. Unlike honeybees, wild bees cannot be managed as easily, which makes their declines more difficult to counteract. The survival and health of these bee populations are crucial for biodiversity and the pollination of wild plants, but they receive less attention and fewer conservation resources compared to commercial honeybees.³

Overall, while managed honeybee populations are increasing due to their economic importance and active management, wild bee species in the U.S. are still experiencing significant declines, indicating a mixed overall picture for the health of bee populations in 2024.

The Decline of Native Bees

While honey bees are making a comeback this year, native bees are still in decline. This decline can be attributed to several factors, including habitat loss, pesticide use, disease, and climate change.⁴

Threatened Species of Native Bees**

Several species of native bees are at serious risk of extinction. Here are a few examples:

American Bumblebee (Bombus pensylvanicus)
Once among the most common and widespread bumblebee species, the American bumblebee once thrived in open areas across the lower 48 states, except Washington. After the population started plunging in the 2000s, now this iconic species has disappeared from at least eight states and experienced severe decline across its remaining range.

Southern Plains Bumblebee (Bombus fraternus)
This bumblebee species is native to the perennial grasslands and open woodlands of America’s Great Plains, Midwest and southeastern coastal plains.

Mojave Poppy Bee (Perdita meconis)
The tiny Mojave poppy bee is only known to live in seven sites in and around Nevada’s Lake Mead National Recreation Area. This bee is a poppy specialist, gathering pollen from the imperiled Las Vegas bear-poppy and the endangered dwarf bear-poppy.

Rusty Patched Bumblebee (Bombus affinis)
Once common in the Midwest and Eastern United States, this bumblebee has experienced a severe population decline. It is now listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service due to habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and disease.

Franklin’s Bumblebee (Bombus franklini)
Found only in a small region of southern Oregon and northern California, Franklin’s bumblebee is one of the rarest bees in the world. Its decline is attributed to habitat loss, pesticide use, and disease.

Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumblebee (Bombus suckleyi)
Suckley’s cuckoo bumblebees have a fascinating story. Females must fight or sneak into a colony of western bumblebees and kill or subdue the host colony’s queen. The cuckoo queen bee then lays her own eggs and gains control of the host colony’s worker bees, who continue collecting pollen and nectar to feed the cuckoo queen’s offspring.

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Why the Decline of Bees is a Problem for Food Security

Food security means having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. Bees play a critical role in ensuring food security by pollinating crops that make up a large part of our diet. When bee populations decline, it can lead to lower crop yields, which translates into less food available and higher prices for the food that is available.⁵

Bees are responsible for pollinating a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Some of the most bee-dependent crops include apples, blueberries, cherries, almonds, and pumpkins. Without bees, these crops would produce significantly less fruit, and in some cases, might not produce fruit at all. This reduction in crop yield directly impacts the availability of these foods in the market.⁶

For example, if there are fewer bees to pollinate apple trees, there will be fewer apples. This can cause apple prices to go up, making it harder for people to afford this healthy fruit. This is especially challenging for underserved communities who already face barriers to accessing healthy food. These communities are often located in food deserts, areas where access to affordable, nutritious food is limited. The increase in food prices due to the decline of bee populations exacerbates the existing food insecurity in these areas.

Moreover, the decline in native bee populations doesn't just affect the quantity and price of food, but also the nutritional quality. Many of the crops that rely on bee pollination are rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. A decrease in the availability of these foods can lead to a less varied and less nutritious diet, further impacting the health and well-being of communities.

The economic impact of declining bee populations is also significant. Farmers who grow bee-dependent crops may face financial losses due to reduced yields, which can lead to higher production costs. These costs are often passed on to consumers, contributing to the overall increase in food prices. Additionally, farmers may need to invest in alternative pollination methods, such as hand pollination or the use of other pollinating insects, which can be labor-intensive and costly.

Addressing the decline of native bee populations is crucial for maintaining food security and ensuring that everyone has access to affordable, nutritious food. This involves protecting bee habitats, reducing the use of pesticides that harm bees, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices that promote biodiversity. By taking these steps, we can help ensure that bees continue to play their vital role in our food system and support the health and well-being of all communities.

~ John Jordan-Cascade,
Web Manager and Photo Contest organizer

Write to me if you would like to contribute a bee-themed prize for the Beauty of the Bee Photo Contest.

Please visit our Facebook group so you can vote for your favorite photos as they are posted.
NOTE: Facebook votes will not be the primary determining factor in choosing winners, but we will provide special recognition for the photo that gets the most positive recognition on Facebook.

References

1) Bees Declared The Most Important Species On Earth by Luana Steffen

2) Honeybee populations are hitting record numbers. Weren’t they dying off before?
Kai Ryssdal, Sarah Leeson, and Sofia Terenzio (May 16, 2024)

3) Q&A: Are honey bees, wild bees still in trouble? by Diana Yates, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (June 30, 2023)

4) Pollinator Decline: Implications for Food Security & Environment
Opinion article by Professor Johanne Brunet of USDA-ARS at the University of Wisconsin–Madison

5) Breeze, T. D., Vaissière, B. E., Bommarco, R., Petanidou, T., Seraphides, N., Kozak, L., ... & Kleijn, D. (2014). Agricultural policies exacerbate honeybee pollination service supply-demand mismatches across Europe. PLOS One, 9(1), e82996.

6) Aizen, M. A., & Harder, L. D. (2009). The Global Stock of Domesticated Honey Bees Is Growing Slower Than Agricultural Demand for Pollination. NIH, originally published in Current Biology, 19(11), 915-918.

Resources

Endangered Pollinators and Wild Bee Conservation (Xerces Society)

Honey bees are not in peril. These bees are.
Want to save the bees? First, throw out most of what you know about them.
by Benji Jones (Jan 19, 2023)

Learn more about What You Can Do to Save Bees (PDF)

Read Krystal Abrams' blog, "Buzzing with Excitement: Bee Surveys Reveal a Hidden World of Native Bee Riches!"

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* Entomologists estimate that there are around 800 species of native bees in Oregon. The Oregon Bee Atlas project, supported by Oregon State University and the Oregon Department of Agriculture, has been instrumental in cataloging and studying these species. This effort has significantly increased our understanding of Oregon's bee biodiversity. The project has documented over 650 native bee species, with ongoing efforts likely to reveal even more as citizen scientists and researchers continue their surveys across the state

** Native Bees page on Center for Biological Diversity website

Jun 2023

Buzzing with Excitement: Bee Surveys Reveal a Hidden World of Native Bee Riches!

Krystal Abrams

A native bee on a Plectritis (sea blush) plant at Rasor Park. Photo by Emily Matlock.

Our 5th Annual Native Bee Survey was not only fun, it was also a scientific discovery that revealed the diverse and intricate world of native bees in two rare prairie remnants. This year’s bee surveys, conducted at Westmoreland Park and Rasor Park, emphasize the importance of understanding native bee habitat necessary to creating effective habitat conservation plans and restoration efforts.

I’m thrilled to say not only did we have an absolute blast exploring these beautiful prairie remnants, but we also discovered a treasure trove of native bees that left us in awe of nature's wonders.

Westmoreland Park: Where Prairie Magic Unfolds
Picture this: a sunny day, a fragrant breeze, and an enchanting native prairie remnant at Westmoreland Park. Armed with our keen eyes and curiosity, we embarked on a quest to uncover the hidden residents of this thriving ecosystem.

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A bee survey participant excitedly brings a Bombus vosnesenskii bee to the attention of bee survey organizers

As we walked through the East Prairie, a meadow bursting with native plant life, we couldn't help but notice the vibrant flowers embracing the landscape. Ranunculus and Camassia danced under the warm rays, their colors beacons of joy. Camas flowers, an important food plant for the Kalapuya original inhabitants of the Willamette Valley, gave the whole meadow a wash of blue-lavender hue. The temperature was a pleasant 72°F, and the partly cloudy sky only added to the allure of our adventure. But what truly stole the show were our incredible bee friends!

We encountered various species, each with its unique charm. Our friends included the familiar Apis mellifera (14 individuals), known as the honey bee, gracefully hovering from flower to flower. We also spotted Bombus vosnesenskii (2 individuals), their fuzzy bodies collecting precious nectar.

Intriguingly, a solitary Xylocopa sp. (Carpenter bee) caught our attention, diligently carving its nest in a nearby tree. And who could forget the magnificent Bombus grizziocolus, the brown-belted bumble (2 individuals) and Bombus californicus, classified as a vulnerable species (1 individual), showcasing their brilliant colors while buzzing around the captivating camas blooms?

Alongside our bee companions, we spotted a few other fascinating creatures. A group of adorable bee flies (7 in total) entertained us with their acrobatic maneuvers, while a delightful ladybug (1 lucky lady) added a sprinkle of luck to our adventure.

Why Bees Matter: Unraveling Native Bee Habitat and Health
Our journey through Westmoreland Park reminds us of the crucial role native bees play in our ecosystems. As habitat restoration and rehabilitation efforts gain momentum, understanding more about the habitat and health of native bees becomes paramount. By conducting surveys like these, we contribute to the ongoing efforts to conserve and protect these essential pollinators.

Rasor Park: Unveiling the Prismatic Symphony of Bees
Our journey continues to Rasor Park, a dry haven adorned with picturesque prairie remnants. The sun shone brightly, illuminating the diverse array of flowering species that embraced the landscape like a colorful quilt. Plectritus, Sidalcea, Ranunculus, Geum, Camassia, and California poppies were just a few of the floral stars performing in this enchanting botanical ballet. The temperature soared to a delightful 76°F, and the cloudless sky beckoned us to uncover the hidden gems residing within this captivating ecosystem.

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Our bee surveys always bring out plenty of curious bee enthusiasts!

We marked the presence of 14 different bee species in one survey! We saw the ubiquitous Andrena prunorum, or the purple miner bee, a ground-nesting bee and the Halictus tripartitus, an iridescent sweat bee. We also found a prime specimen of ground-nest bees, the Halictus farinosus, which practices cooperative brood care and multi-generational living.

Join Us in Our Effort to Save Oregon's Bees!
But wait, there's more! We need your help to collect even more valuable data and raise awareness about pollinator health and habitat conservation. We're excited to invite you to the upcoming Bee Jazzy celebration, where we'll not only groove to some fantastic tunes but also support our mission to conduct more bee surveys, conduct more outdoor education camps for youth of color and spread the word about the importance of preserving bee habitats. Mark your calendars and let's make a beeline to Bee Jazzy!

Surveyors found a Andrena bee (a.k.a., a mining bee) in Rasor Park. Photo by Emily Matlock.

Bees: The Unsung Heroes
Buzzing with excitement and charm, native bees are the unsung heroes of our ecosystems! These little powerhouses of pollination play a vital role in keeping our environment healthy and teeming with biodiversity. They're like the VIPs of the floral world, rocking the task of pollinating native plant species! By doing so, they ensure that these plants can reproduce and maintain the balance of the whole ecosystem. Talk about teamwork! These bees are the ultimate locals, perfectly adapted to their surroundings and rocking a long history of coevolution with native plants. It's a love story that goes way back, and we're here to celebrate it! By diving into the fascinating world of native bee diversity, we unlock the secrets to stronger habitat protections and smarter strategies to reduce those pesky pesticides that can harm our buzzing buddies.

A family of bee surveyors at Westmoreland park enjoy time together. Photo by Emily Matlock.

Through research and discovery, we will unravel the habitat needs, population dynamics, and health status of these amazing creatures. Armed with this knowledge, we can swoop in with targeted conservation measures to protect our beloved pollinators from threats like habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and the unpredictable impacts of climate change.

It's time to rally together and create a buzz-worthy future for our native bees and the ecosystems they call home!

MORE about the results of our two spring bee surveys

The May 10th survey conducted at Westmoreland Park in Eugene focused on the east prairie remnant. The area exhibited a wet habitat with no bare ground, abundant grasses, and constant exposure to direct sunlight throughout the day. Notably, the entire site consisted of native prairie remnant vegetation, with no introduced plantings.

During our survey, we documented the following bee species:

Bombus vosnesenskii (2 individuals)
Apis mellifera (14 individuals)
Xylocopa sp. (Carpenter bee) (1 individual)
Bombus grizziocolus (2 individuals), observed primarily on camas flowers
Bombus californicus (1 individual)
Halictus tripertitus (1 individual)
Osmia sp. (1 individual)
In addition to bees, we observed other notable species, including seven bee flies and a single ladybug.

On May 17th we conducted a survey at Rasor Park in Eugene. This site featured a dry habitat with approximately 5% bare ground and 50%-60% coverage of flowering plants. The area received ample direct sunlight throughout the day and consisted of a native prairie remnant with several introduced plantings of native species.

The bee species identified during the survey at Rasor Park were as follows:

Osmia sp. (5 individuals)
Hoplitis albifrons (1 individual, possibly Sonia)
Seratina sp. (3 individuals)
Seratina acantha (3 individuals, a small carpenter bee found on checkermallow, including 1 male and 2 females)
Apis mellifera (6 individuals)
Bombus californicus (2 individuals)
Halictus farinosus (3 individuals)
Halictus tripartitus (1 individual)
Protosmia rubifloris (1 individual)
Nomada sp. (red) (1 individual)
Andrena prunorum (1 individual)
Andrena sp. (2 individuals)
Bombus vosnesenskii (2 individuals)
Bombus melanopygus (1 individual)

The findings from these surveys contribute to our understanding of native bee populations in prairie remnants. The presence of various bee species, including both solitary and social bees, highlights the importance of maintaining diverse habitats to support their survival. By documenting the specific flowering species utilized by these bees, we gain insights into their foraging preferences and potential plant-pollinator relationships.

Written by Krystal Abrams,
Communications Manager and Bee Enthusiast Extraordinairre

Jan 2023

Advancing Environmental Justice in 2023

Krystal Abrams

Our 2023 Legislative Priorities

I am thrilled to report that we are gearing up for another very exciting year of advocacy and activism! Each year Beyond Toxics creates a list of priorities for the Oregon legislative session, working with our members and community partners to support strong public and environmental health policies for the state.

Our advocacy campaigns are rooted in environmental justice, putting equity and inclusion in all sectors of Oregon policy-making at the center of our work. I believe that, in order to build a thriving and just Oregon, we need to urge local legislators to vote in favor of strong and equitable policies that demonstrate an ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and the advancement of human rights and dignity.

We are leading three priority initiatives during the 2023 Oregon legislative session. The issues addressed reflect areas of concern for frontline communities bearing the brunt of climate change and environmental degradation. Our team remains a steadfast advocate for all Oregonians, especially those living in underserved communities across the state.

These are our three legislative priorities for the 2023 session:

Help Oregon achieve its strong climate goals

Strengthen and update pesticide policies on school grounds

Increase accountability for waste incinerators to protect Oregon’s air quality

Natural Climate Solutions (SB 530)

Creating Natural Climate Solutions
We are working with a statewide coalition to put forward the Natural Climate Solutions bill, SB 530. This could be a game-changer for climate action in Oregon! SB 530 is a comprehensive bill that will help the state achieve its climate goals, support Oregon’s environmental justice communities and small landowners, improve equitable outcomes in the face of climate change, and protect our state’s vital natural resources.

If passed, SB 530 will…

Create an ongoing source of state funding for voluntary actions to draw down carbon from the atmosphere and store it on natural and working lands, such as forest land, farm land and wetlands;

Position Oregon to leverage federal funding and private investments in natural climate solutions on natural and working lands;

Fund and direct state agencies to provide incentives and technical support to forest owners, farmers, ranchers, and environmental justice communities on natural and working lands to adopt climate smart practices; and

Invest in a comprehensive Oregon natural and working lands inventory and study opportunities for workforce development and training.

In addition to all these climate benefits, implementing this bill will result in significant and measurable environmental benefits of cleaner air, healthier soils and protected drinking water.

“This ambitious piece of legislation prioritizes activities that protect or improve the ability of Oregon’s natural and working lands to sequester carbon. This is the necessary climate action our state needs and, if it is successful, it will put an amazing framework in place to address greenhouse gas reduction in our forests, agricultural lands, and rangelands.” ~ Teryn Yazdani, Staff Attorney and Climate Policy Manager

Read more about the Natural Climate Solutions bill

Toxic Free Schools (SB 426)

Pesticide Reduction and Improved Management Practices For Schools
Our second legislative priority is The Toxic Free Schools bill, SB 426, which is part of a three bill suite of environmental health bills lined up to protect children's health from exposure to toxic chemicals. The goal of SB 426 is to improve transparency around pesticide use in Oregon schools and provide funding to support schools integrated pest management planning. When Oregon's School Integrated Pest Management law was enacted in 2009, it did not allocate funding to the Department of Education or school districts to implement the law. As a result, many hazardous and unlawful pesticide applications have occurred on Oregon’s school campuses in the last thirteen years.

If SB 426 is passed, a proactive approach to adopting the safest pest management methods will ensure school children are not exposed to pesticides that can cause cancer and other negative health impacts.

If passed, SB 426 bill will…

Improve transparency around pesticide use in schools by aligning School IPM law with the Healthy and Safe Schools Act;

Direct the Department of Education to convene a stakeholder advisory group to coordinate and problem-solve IPM implementation in Oregon schools;

Provide funding for three pilot projects to implement an electronic Pesticide Applicator Recordkeeping application developed by Oregon METRO government;

“Ultimately, the Toxic Free Schools bill will provide resources to the Department of Education to support school districts in updating and implementing IPM plans and improve transparency under Healthy and Safe schools. The goal is to prevent children's exposure to pesticides on athletic fields, playgrounds, cafeterias and learning spaces.” ~ Jennifer Eisele, Pesticide Policy Manager

Read more about the Toxic Free Schools bill

Oregon's Medical Waste Incineration Act (SB 488)

Covanta waste incinerator, Chester, PA. Image courtesy of Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living.

Air Quality Solutions
The third bill we are prioritizing is Oregon's Medical Waste Incineration Act, SB 488. This bill will close a regulatory loophole in Oregon’s air quality laws that allows a municipal waste (trash) incinerator to burn large amounts of medical and industrial waste, including waste trucked in from out-of-state. Each year, Oregon’s municipal waste incinerator burns more than 176,000 tons of municipal, medical and industrial waste. In recent years, this incinerator has steadily increased their tons of out-of-state hospital and medical waste every year! Burning medical waste, which is often plastics such as PVC, is known to emit more toxic pollutants than most municipal waste due to the complex nature of medical waste. As medical waste incineration increases, emissions of dioxin compounds and other dangerous chemicals also increase. Dioxin is a highly hazardous toxin linked to cancer and reproductive problems. Currently, the incinerator is regulated under the relatively lax rules despite burning a large percentage of out-of-state medical waste. Oregon can close loopholes in the law that will reduce emissions from waste incinerators. The large amounts of air toxics emitted from its stack has impacted human and environmental health around Marion county for over 30 years.

Now is the time to pass SB 488 to implement a much-needed update to Oregon clean air laws. Oregon must adopt stricter emission limits for incinerators burning large amounts of medical waste incineration. The result will be improved air quality for communities around waste incinerators now and into the future.

If passed, SB 488 will…

Give the DEQ the authority to accurately assess how many tons of medical waste is burned annually at a trash incinerator facility;

Apply the stricter emission limits required for medical waste incinerators under federal law;

Regulate a large polluter and ensure better environmental protection and public health outcomes for all Oregonians.

“In essence, Covanta Marion is a medical waste incinerator masquerading as a municipal waste incinerator by taking advantage of this loophole. Covanta Marion essentially doubles its profits by importing medical waste from out of state. The fact that Covanta Marion can burn medical waste and pollute while taking advantage of weak environmental regulations makes Oregon a dumping ground for the toxic pollution that other states don’t allow.” ~ Lisa Arkin, Executive Director

What To Expect
The Beyond Toxics team will fight to pass all three bills during the 2023 legislative session. Our goal is to keep advancing stronger policies that implement meaningful change for Oregon’s environmental policies and prioritize human and environmental health.

However, we do not work alone! We rely on support from local communities and people that are concerned about environmental and public health issues. You can help us get these bills passed this session!

Here’s how you can get involved right now…

Stay informed! Sign up for Beyond Toxics e-alerts to stay up to date on these 3 bills and receive our weekly Action Alerts directly in your inbox.

Plan for action! Start planning to submit written testimonies in favor of these bills once the hearings begin. The legislative session moves quickly so it’s a good idea to start thinking about your stance on these issues now.

Spread the word! Share your thoughts about these bills with your family and friends and encourage them to write their own testimonies in support of any of these three bills.

Check your socials! Follow @beyondtoxics on Facebook, Instagram and/or Twitter and keep an eye out for upcoming Action Alerts in your feeds.

Krystal Abrams, Communications Manager

Feb 2022

Dorris Ranch Orchard: New Season, New Start

Jennifer Eisele

Dorris Ranch is a popular public park in Springfield and one of my favorite places to walk trails through a historic orchard and along the Willamette River. Although I have seen people picking blackberries and foraging for other edible plants and fungi in the forest near the orchard, I have never given much thought to pesticides that might be used there. I have always felt that the public should not have to be concerned about chemical hazards in public places with open access.

Last summer, I noticed that a community member was posting concerns about heavy pesticide use in the orchard on social media. This person also called on the Willamalane Parks District to stop all pesticide use. They reached out to Beyond Toxics and we began communicating with Willamalane Parks and Recreation District managers about the pesticides used at Dorris Ranch and concerns from the public.

The orchard gets a pesticide (Asana XL) application from an air blaster. (Aug. 2021) Photo courtesy of the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

Lisa Arkin, Beyond Toxics Executive Director and I met with the concerned community member who raised the issue. They lived in the Springfield neighborhood between the Dorris Ranch orchard and the Willamette River. The neighborhood is beautiful. A few dozen homes have backyards along the property line of the Dorris Ranch hazelnut orchard, divided only by a flimsy chain link fence.

We walked through the neighborhood and chatted with a few residents the evening before the scheduled spray. A few people were aware there was going to be work done in the orchard but were unaware of any details. Considering the proximity of the orchard to the homes during the spray, with only a barrier of a chain link fence, it was apparent that it would be nearly impossible for them to avoid pesticide residue reaching the homes.

Lisa's dog, Rafa, runs in the orchard with one of his companions. Photo by Lisa Arkin

My experience taught me that such pesticide use, along with the inevitable spray drift and the proximity to the neighboring properties represented a significant risk for exposure. We got permission from local residents to set out pesticides drift sample trays in their yards before the spray.

ODA Arrives for Oversight

An Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) investigator was present to observe the orchardist pesticide application on August 3rd and 4th, which was the last pesticide application for the year. For those days the orchardist used an insecticide called Asana XL to treat moths whose larvae can bore into hazelnuts and destroy the nut.

The ODA investigator took lots of photos to document the spray and noted the temperature throughout the day, as pesticides can often volatilize at higher temperatures. The Willamette Valley was under an extreme heat wave during this time.

The investigator noted open windows at homes next to the orchard with fans blowing air inside during the spray. The ODA investigator documented barely legible notes by the orchardist that served as two years of pesticide application records at the orchard.

After The Spray

The next day we collected our sample trays and plant leaf samples from the backyards after the spray happened and sent them to a lab to test for pesticides. When we received the results from the lab, we were not surprised to see low levels of pesticide residue detected on one of the samples. We sent the lab results to ODA to show that pesticide drift had reached the homes outside the orchard. The ODA returned to collect their own vegetation samples from the yard at the same residence where we found drift and also inside the orchard. The resident had since removed the squash plant where we took our samples and the samples collected by the ODA nearly a month later did not detect pesticide residue at the residence. However, high levels of pesticide residue were still present on the orchard trees. This pesticide is labeled to cause skin irritation and there is ZERO tolerance for residue on food and it should not be accessible in a public park.

Willamalane Responds

In September, a month after the last spray, Willamalane reached out to Beyond Toxics and interested community members and invited us to participate in an Ad Hoc Advisory Committee to make recommendations to the Willamalane Board of Directors about changes in orchard management practices. Committee members included a representative from the National Parks Service, who advised the committee about the historic values of the Dorris Ranch Park and orchard and cultural landscape. A horticulture expert from OSU provided options on Integrated Pest Managament (IPM) practices including pest trapping and monitoring, and less toxic pesticides for each pest throughout the growing season. An organic hazelnut farmer provided a presentation about organic management of hazelnuts through harvest, processing and marketing. Beyond Toxics advocated for better signage and public notice to neighbors and park visitors, better recordkeeping, and most importantly, we focused on developing a community value of non-toxic public spaces.

On December 1, 2021 the AdHoc Committee recommended that the District transition the Dorris Ranch hazelnut orchard to organic management. The Willamalane Board of Directors voted on December 8, 2021 to immediately discontinue using the most hazardous pesticides used in the orchard in favor of less toxic products. They also requested Willamalane staff to obtain further information about the cost of transitioning to organic.

Jennifer Eisele, Pesticide Program Manager, visiting Dorris Ranch Orchard. Photo by Emily Cook.

A New Season, a New Start

As spring approaches, I’ve returned to the trails at Dorris Ranch. I feel so heartened to see the beginning of new life in the orchard. Nineteen acres of blight-infected trees have now been removed and replaced with a variety of blight-resistant baby hazelnut trees. The most immediate benefit will be to reduce the amount of pesticides used at the orchard. I’m looking forward to seeing the other changes still to come. My sincere hope is that, with the involvement of citizen power, Beyond Toxics can help make Dorris Ranch a safer public space for visitors and neighbors, pets and wildlife.

~ Jennifer Eisele, Pesticide Program Manager

Find out more about the panel that will dive into the issue more deeply at the 40th Annual Public Interest Environmental Law Conference: "Water, Pollinators & Public Spaces: A Local Model for Collaborative Pesticide Policy Reform" on Friday, March 4th, from 1:30-2:30 pm.

Creative background. Old wooden door, blue color, in the box. Transition to a different climate. The concept of climate change, portal, magic. Copy space.

Dec 2021

Time to celebrate Oregon’s climate action success!

Krystal Abrams

Did you hear the BIG news? On December 16th, 2021, the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission voted 3-1 in favor of establishing the Department of Environmental Quality’s new Climate Protection Program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels used in Oregon. Beginning in 2022, this program will help secure a healthy climate future, invest in frontline communities, and hold corporate polluters accountable. And while the final program may not be perfect, it sets in motion a massive statewide effort to reduce emissions from the use of transportation fuels and natural gas utilities. The outcome is transitioning Oregon off of fossil fuels and setting an example for other states to follow.

Here are some key highlights from the new program:

Science-based emissions reduction targets for oil companies, "natural" gas utilities like Northwest Natural and Avista, and major industrial facilities to cut their climate pollution in half by 2035. This presents opportunities to innovate, propelling Oregon toward a clean energy future.

Improved public health and resiliency for communities in Oregon most harmed by burning fossil fuels and climate change. Reducing harmful pollution can save Oregonians billions of dollars annually by avoiding health impacts such as lost workdays to asthma and respiratory effects, to heart attacks and hospital visits, to fatal outcomes.

Investments in clean energy projects to support job creation, a strong economy, and cleaner, cheaper, healthier energy and transportation options in communities of color, tribal, low-income, rural and coastal communities across the state.

Powerful Public Engagement
A whopping 7,600 comments on the Climate Protection Program (CPP) rules were sent to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), exceeding typical comment period totals by thousands. Noting the severity and urgency of the climate emergency we face, over 70% of these comments were in support of adopting strong outcomes for climate, equity, and the environment without delay.

In response to the tsunami of public comments, the CPP rules were strengthened in the following ways:

The “cap” placed on oil companies and fossil gas utilities to reduce their emissions was made more aggressive to require 50% reduction by 2035 and 90% reduction by 2050. Previous versions of the CPP rules included a reduction of just 45% by 2035 and 80% by 2050.

The final program sets emissions targets for major industrial facilities covered by the program to cut their climate pollution in half by 2035. Previous drafts of the CPP rules failed to set mandatory reductions for these emissions sources.

The program will fund up to $500 million annually in Community Climate Investment (CCI) projects to support cleaner, cheaper, healthier energy and transportation options in communities of color, tribal, low-income, rural and coastal communities across the state. DEQ strengthened rule language to make it clear these investments would prioritize environmental justice communities.

Calling for Carbon Sequestration
Also, Beyond Toxics took a strong, loud stance to push Oregon to invest in carbon sequestration! In order to truly mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, we know that pulling down atmospheric carbon and storing it in our soils, trees and vegetation, and waters must be prioritized alongside efforts to ratchet back greenhouse gas emissions. This will not only benefit our climate but also result in better soil health, water availability, and air quality.

During the Environmental Quality Commission's (EQC’s) vote to approve the Climate Protection Program, carbon sequestration took the main stage once again. As a result, the Department of Environmental Quality is going to coordinate with the Oregon Global Warming Commission to discuss opportunities to support carbon sequestration in Oregon’s forests, agricultural lands, and wetlands moving forward.

We expect this important discussion to continue at the EQC’s next meeting in early February.

Grit and Gratitude
Public participation throughout the rulemaking process played a major role in improving the final program. Your written comments as well as your presence and voices at public hearings were critical to strengthening the initial rule package developed by DEQ staff. EQC commissioners heard you. You helped make a difference!

As I reflect upon the past year, I find so many reasons to be hopeful. In doing this work, I find great resolve to keep advocating for meaningful climate action. The Climate Protection Program shows how truly powerful public involvement can be to achieve a stable and just climate future. Thank you for contributing to these outcomes.

And while we celebrate this significant progress for the state, we know our work is not done.

One large omission from regulation by the Climate Protection Program is power plants that burn fossil fuels in Oregon and export electricity to other states--that must be fixed! Continued diligent monitoring and engagement will be required to ensure that this program delivers the promised reductions in climate pollution and investments in environmental justice communities.

Our game plan is to continue our efforts to support and encourage public engagement. We must build upon our success to convince state agencies to go farther, think bigger, act faster and adopt the strongest policies.

~ Grace Brahler,
Oregon Climate Action Plan & Policy Manager for Beyond Toxics

Nov 2020

Stand to Protect Climate, People and Forests

Lisa Arkin

Beyond Toxics does not shy away from tough issues. It takes time, tenacity and creativity to solve problems. For example, we are in our second year of fighting to stop the use of chlorpyrifos in Oregon. We’ve presented two bills that got caught up and swept away by the Republican walk-outs in 2019 and 2020. We followed that with a campaign for a chlorpyrifos phase-out that we expect to be adopted by the end of this year.