New homes are coming soon to Mississippi Dunes, but not everyone is quiet about it.
Speaking up via petition as well as written or spoken comment, many have made their voice heard. Among them is a University of Minnesota Extension professor named Elaine Evans.
“I am writing to express concern and provide information about negative impacts on the rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus Affinis) , a federally endangered species, from the proposed Rachel Development construction project at the former Mississippi Dunes property,” Evans writes, then adding qualifications. “I am an Associate Extension Professor at the University of Minnesota and have been studying bumblebees for over 25 years. I have worked extensively on determining the status and habitat needs of the rusty patched bumble bee since 2007.”
Her take on the matter?
“The status assessment conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service states that ‘Bombus Affinis have been observed and collected in a variety of habitats, including prairies, woodlands, marshes, agricultural landscapes, and residential parks and gardens.’ The rusty patch bumble bee actively uses these habitats for nesting and foraging from April to October. While it is true that you will not find rusty patched bumblebees foraging on flowers between November and March, this does not mean that they are not on the landscape (see figure below). From late fall to early spring, rusty patched bumble bee queens hibernate, either on the surface of the ground under leaves, or a few inches below the soil surface. They are essentially defenseless at this time. If the ground is disturbed, the cold temperatures make it difficult or impossible to fly to find another overwintering site. Disturbance of the ground poses a direct risk. These queens are the only link to the next generation of rusty patched bumble bees. New colonies are started each spring by queens that have survived the winter. Just because you don’t see the insects from November to March doesn’t mean they aren’t completing their lifecycle during this critical time point.”
Going on to say that the rusty patch bumblebee “is currently threatened with extinction,” Evans said that “the proposed construction reduces habitat and poses a threat of direct killing rusty patch bumble bee individuals.”
Recommending consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Evans also recommended a new habitat assessment and environmental review of construction plans.
“The habitat assessment that was conducted in January of 2022 did not accurately assess habitat availability for or possible use by rusty patch bumblebees. I also request that all public documents, reports, and communications information be made available for public and expert review. I am happy to provide additional information about rusty patch bumble bee habitat use and help form plans to reduce the likelihood of harming individuals and to help create habitat options,” Evans said in closing her letter.
Speaking in person Wednesday and sharing Evan’s sentiments, Julia Brokaw of the bee friendly Xerces Society summed up the matter.
“The proposed development is harmful to invertebrates,” she said.