The Colorado State Beekeepers Association’s Initiative To Protect Bees

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Colorado’s largest beekeeper’s organization! 

TheColorado State Beekeepers Association (CSBA) is the oldest and most widely recognized beekeeping organization in Colorado. It was founded in 1880 and incorporated in 1888 as the Colorado State Beekeepers’ Association. It is affiliated with the American Beekeeping Federation. 

Neonicotinoids & Protecting Honeybees

Neonicotinoids (pronounced: nee-o-nick-o-tin-oyds) are defined, according to the EPA, as a class of insecticides with a common mode of action that affects the central nervous system of insects, causing paralysis and death. All of the neonicotinoids were registered after 1984 and were not subject to reregistration. Some uncertainties have been identified since their initial registration regarding the potential environmental fate and effects of neonicotinoid pesticides, particularly as they relate to pollinators. Data suggest that neonicotinic residues can accumulate in pollen and nectar of treated plants and may represent a potential exposure to pollinators. Adverse effects data as well as beekill incidents have also been reported, highlighting the potential direct and/or indirect effects of neonicotinic pesticides.

In part, because of the increased use of neonicotinoids which reduces the area for healthy foraging and contributes to the high number of bee losses, the CSBA recently formed 5 committees. They are as follows:  Best Practices, Data Collection, Forage, Master Beekeeper and Pesticides. Please note that you do NOT need to be a CSBA member to contribute to these committees. To learn more and get involved, please visit the CSBA’s website.

Honeybee (Photo credit: CSBA)

Helping Commercial Beekeepers

The CSBA functions as an umbrella organization for all other regional beekeeping organizations and clubs in the State.  In addition, the CSBA is also the only organization in Colorado that represents the concerns and interests of the commercial beekeeping sector. The CSBA functions as the main interface between State and local agencies and beekeepers.

Photo: Tom Theobald

Listen To The Neonicotinoid Radio Show

In this special series called “The Neonicotinoid View”, hosts, June Stoyer and Tom Theobald will talk to the President of the Colorado State Beekeepers Association (CSBA), Beth Conrey about the history of this organization and the steps it is taking to be proactive in the conservation and protection of honeybees. Click here to listen on iTunes or use this link to listen to the live show.

Beth Conrey, President of the CSBA

Bio:  Beth Conrey is the president of the Colorado State Beekeepers Association (CSBA).  She was elected president of the CSBA in 2010 and recently was re-elected for another 2 year term.