Critical Habitat Proposed for Endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee in Minnesota and Five Other States
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced a robust plan to designate 1.6 million acres of critical habitat for the rusty patched bumble bee, a pollinator currently listed as endangered. This crucial designation spans six states across the bee’s historical range, including a significant presence in Minnesota.
Reversing a Dramatic Decline
The rusty patched bumble bee once thrived across large swaths of the eastern United States and the upper Midwest, recognized for its distinctive rusty-red abdomen. However, populations experienced a rapid and alarming decline, leading to its federal endangered species listing in 2017. Experts attribute this ecological downturn to a combination of factors, including habitat loss driven by urbanization and agricultural intensification, the widespread use of pesticides, outbreaks of disease, and the impacts of climate change.
Urban Haven for Imperiled Pollinators
Although their familiar buzzing has become less common in meadows and fields, rusty patched bumble bees have found a surprising foothold in urban and suburban landscapes.
They are frequently spotted flitting among wildflowers in gardens, parks, and road medians throughout the Midwest, including cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Four Key Zones in Minnesota
The proposed critical habitat designation in Minnesota encompasses four distinct geographic units. The largest of these units spans over half a million acres and encompasses a mix of private, state, federal, and tribal lands across Ramsey, Scott, Dakota, Pierce, Washington, Carver, Hennepin, and St. Croix counties.
Unit two, located near Northfield, covers 12,557 acres in Dakota and Rice counties, while unit three encompasses 43,091 acres within the Rochester metropolitan area. Unit four, situated near Winona, comprises 29,823 acres.
Conservation Through Collaboration
“The USFWS said critical habitat designation does not affect land ownership or establish a refuge,” noting that the primary goal is to ensure federal actions minimize harm to the designated areas.
Under the proposed plan, federal agencies would be required to consult with the USFWS before undertaking any projects or authorizing activities within these critical habitat zones. This requirement ensures that actions funded, authorized, or carried out by federal agencies—such as infrastructure development, land management practices, or pesticide use—do
not jeopardize the recovery of the rusty patched bumble bee.
Public Input Invited
The USFWS is actively seeking public input on the proposed critical habitat designation.
Individuals and organizations interested in sharing their perspectives on the plan can submit comments until Jan. 27. This period of public engagement allows stakeholders to provide valuable insights and contribute to the development of a comprehensive conservation strategy for this vulnerable pollinator.
What actions can individuals take to help conserve the rusty patched bumble bee?
## Saving the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee: A Conversation with Dr. Emily Carter
**Host:** Welcome back to “EcoTalk.” Today, we’re buzzing about a hopeful development for a critically endangered pollinator, the rusty patched bumble bee. Joining us is Dr. Emily Carter, an entomologist specializing in bee conservation. Dr. Carter, welcome to the show.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s start with the basics. What makes the rusty patched bumble bee so important?
**Dr. Carter:** Rusty patched bumble bees are keystone pollinators. They play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by pollinating a wide range of wildflowers and crops. A single colony can have up to 1,000 workers, [[1](https://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/information/rusty-patched-bumble-bee/)]highlighting their impressive pollination power.
**Host:** But as you know, their numbers have been dwindling. What’s behind this decline?
**Dr. Carter:** Unfortunately, a perfect storm of threats has imperiled the rusty patched bumble bee. Habitat loss due to urbanization and intensive agriculture is a major factor. Then there’s the widespread use of pesticides, which can be lethal to bees. Disease outbreaks and climate change have also contributed to their decline.
**Host:** It’s troubling, but there seems to be some good news. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service just announced plans to designate critical habitat for the bee. Can you tell us more about this?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely! This is a crucial step towards recovery. The proposal seeks to protect 1.6 million acres of land across six states, including Minnesota. This will safeguard important foraging and nesting areas for the bees.
**Host:** And what about the surprising fact that they seem to be doing relatively well in urban areas?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s a bit of a silver lining. Rusty patched bumble bees have adapted well to urban gardens, parks, and even road medians. This shows the importance of incorporating native wildflowers into our landscapes and reducing pesticide use.
**Host:** What can listeners do to help conserve these important pollinators?
**Dr. Carter:** There are many things! Plant pollinator-friendly gardens with native wildflowers, avoid using pesticides, support local beekeepers, and advocate for policies that protect pollinator habitat. Every action counts.
**Host:** Dr. Carter, thank you for shedding light on this important issue. We hope this news inspires listeners to learn more and get involved in bee conservation.
**Dr. Carter:** My pleasure. Remember, even small actions can make a big difference for the future of the rusty patched bumble bee and other pollinators.