WHEREAS, Alaska has an abundance of plant and animal species that enhance the natural beauty of our great state, and contribute to the health of our ecosystems and industries; and
WHEREAS, pollination plays a vital role in the health of our forests, grasslands, and other biodiverse environments, which provide forage, fish and wildlife, timber, water, mineral resources, and recreational opportunities, as well as economic development opportunities for individuals and communities; and
WHEREAS, pollinator species, such as bees, birds, butterflies, bats, beetles, and others, provide substantial benefits that are vital for maintaining healthy ecosystems, supporting terrestrial wildlife, providing healthy watershed, and more; and
WHEREAS, these species are also essential partners of farmers and ranchers, ensuring full harvests of the crops that produce much of our nation’s food supply. About one in every three bites of food exists because of the work of pollinators; and
WHEREAS, pollinator populations have seen a steady decline since the 1950s, which may be due to factors such as disease, parasites, viruses; loss of habitat; exposure to pesticides; and lack of genetic diversity; and
WHEREAS, without a natural pollinator populations, it becomes necessary to artificially create or transport populations to the areas they are needed, which places stress on the pollinators, the environment, and can lead to further reduction in quantity due to injury; and
WHEREAS, Pollinator Week provides an opportunity to encourage the protection of pollinators; increase the quality and amount of pollinator habitat and forage; reverse pollinator losses; and to help restore pollinator populations to healthy levels.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim June 21-27, 2021 as:
Alaska Pollinator Week
in Alaska, and encourage all residents to learn more about the important role pollinators play in maintaining healthy ecosystems, to celebrate the role of pollinators in our state, and to consider keeping bees or planting flowers, trees, and other plants to help maintain healthy pollinator populations in the state.
