While bees might not always be the most welcome addition to your outdoor activities, you can’t deny that this common insect is extremely beneficial: responsible for pollinating as much as 90% of our plants, bees help produce crops of flowers, fruits and vegetables around the world. As a result, many people take care not to disturb bees in the wild, and some even raise their own hives. Now, a recent ordinance that would limit beekeeping activities in Queen Anne’s County has both groups up in arms.
On Tuesday, April 14, Commissioner Mark Anderson introduced Ordinance 15-06 at the County Commissioner’s meeting. The legislation would have banned the practice of beekeeping within 1,000 feet of a dwelling or any occupied residential structure on an adjacent property. Anderson introduced the bill without comment or explanation, giving no clue as to what could have inspired the proposal.
Outrage on social media quickly followed, with one post on Wednesday questioning the bill drawing more than 100 comments. The conversation engaged drew beekeepers and puzzled community members alike, raising a number of questions about bee sting allergies, the effect on local agriculture, personal responsibility and more. A number of commenters pointed out that the practice made it nearly impossible for amateur and commercial beekeepers to own hives, and many predicted that the bill would have severe repercussions for farmers and other businesses in Queen Anne’s County.
These commenters likely weren’t wrong. Take the florist industry, for example, which grew by an estimated 0.6% annually between 2009 and 2014: without bees, this industry would be unable to provide discount wedding flowers and other arrangements, causing thousands of people around the country to lose their jobs.
Meanwhile, other critics pointed out that the legislation likely wouldn’t help people with severe allergies to bee stings and other problems; most beekeepers use species that are less likely to sting, but even these insects travel several miles a day to find nectar. As a result, commenters pointed out that people with health concerns would benefit more from removing flowering plants from their properties and carrying an EpiPen rather than supporting the 1,000 foot barrier. Others recommended that concerned homeowners talk to beekeeping neighbors about their fears, to find a mutually-beneficial solution.
While the backlash may seem absurd, it isn’t unwarranted: around the world, many hives are suffering from Mary Celeste Syndrome or colony collapse disorder, a problem in which bees are inexplicably unable to find their way back to their hives. While a number of potential causes have been suggested, millions of bees have essentially disappeared. Now, ordinances like the one suggested in Queen Anne’s County could make it even more difficult for beekeepers to help keep this vital insect present in their local environments.
Fortunately, Anderson seems to have realized the error of his ways. On Thursday, April 16, he announced that he had found reasonable arguments against the proposal, suggesting a need for more information on bee behavior and other issues. As a result, he plans to meet with local beekeepers at the county commission office in Centreville on April 22. This meeting, which will last from 3 to 5 p.m., will seek to understand the importance of bees and pollination to local industries and obtain expert input about appropriate safety measures for hives in residential areas. The meeting is open to the public.