Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
al and political action that resulted kindled a renewed empathy for all pollinators, in-
cluding honey bees. Though we've always known it to be true, more people now see
that it's good to be a beekeeper. That chickens, rabbits, and other backyard livestock
have shared this reprieve only goes to show that this enlightened action was widespread
and well planned. Small farmers everywhere won a moral and productive victory when
these rules changed.
Increased Regulations and Inspections
In most cases, however, the rules haven't changed back to those of earlier and easier
days. In most places there are still restrictions. Permits that need renewal and cost
money are usually part of the deal. Numbers are too, with fewer colonies allowed now
than before. Registration, training, permission from neighbors, description of housing,
and other limitations often exist. Registration of hives with regulatory officials is usu-
ally required. But still, when you want to keep bees and you live in a city that wouldn't
let you before but does now, life is better for you, the bees, and the many plants that will
benefit.
I suspect that over time inspections and their requisite fees will become standard
practice. The inspection programs are prepared to protect the city by making sure you
are keeping your bees in a safe and secure manner. Hand in hand with inspections and
inspectors is the permission for those inspectors to go onto the property the bees are
on. Some locations require complete access to hives when the inspector wants it. Others
work to make the inspection a teaching moment for the inspector and beekeeper. Most
are fairly good natured and friendly. But the logistics of getting an inspector to hives in
dense urban areas can be complicated.
Good neighbor beekeeping will take on a more official stance, and probably one
more regimented than before because once again there are beekeepers dealing with
honey bees and many, very close neighbors. This is Extreme Urban Beekeeping at its
best.
Extreme urban beekeeping requires extreme good neighbor beekeeping practices but
the public, political, and legal landscapes have changed. The door has been opened, the
welcome mat is out, and even more places and people than before are willing to allow
bees to be at home right next door. But you still have to pay attention to details, be on
your (and your bees) best behavior, and remember that the rules for being an ambassad-
or for good beekeeping have not been rescinded.
