WHEREAS, Alaska has an abundance of plant and animal species that make up the natural beauty of our Great State and contribute to the health of our ecosystems and industries; and
WHEREAS, bees, birds, butterflies, bats, beetles, and other pollinator species provide substantial benefits that are vital for maintaining healthy ecosystems, supporting terrestrial wildlife, supporting healthy watersheds, and more; and
WHEREAS, pollination plays a crucial 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 are also essential to farmers and ranchers, ensuring the full harvests of the crops that produce much of our Nation’s food supply, with about one in every three bites of food existing because of the work of these organisms; and
WHEREAS, pollinator populations have seen a steady decline since the 1950s , which may be linked to factors such as disease, parasites, viruses, loss of habitat, exposure to pesticides, and lack of genetic diversity; and
WHEREAS, without natural pollinator populations, it becomes necessary to artificially create or transport pollinators to the environments they are needed, placing stress on the pollinators and the ecosystem and resulting in further reduction in population quantity due to injury; and
WHEREAS, Pollinator Week provides an opportunity to promote the protection of pollinators, increase the quality and amount of pollinator habitat and forage, and help restore pollinator populations to healthy levels.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim June 17 – 23, 2024 as:
Alaska Pollinator Week
in Alaska and encourage all residents to educate themselves 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 maintain healthy pollinator populations in the State.
Dated: June 17, 2024
