HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-11-12 agendaFalcon Heights Environment Commission
June 11, 2012
Agenda
1) Approval of Minutes of April 9 2012
2) Urban Beekeeping
Guest Speaker: Gary Reuter, Apiary Technician, University of Minnesota Bee Lab
3) Mercury Standards Update – Mayor Lindstrom/Staff
4) Prairie Garden Update - Staff
5) Information and Announcements
Falcon Heights Environment Commission
Falcon Heights Environment Commission 6/11/12
E n v i r o n m e n t C o m m i s s i o n
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I t e m 2
ITEM: Beekeeping in the City
SUBMITTED BY: Deborah Jones, Staff Liaison
Description:
Mayor Lindstrom asked staff to prepare the Environment Commission for discussion on whether
the City might take measures to allow beekeeping in residential neighborhoods of Falcon
Heights.
Gary Reuter, a scientist at the University of Minnesota Bee Lab has accepted an invitation to
give a presentation to the Commission this evening.
Speaker Background – Gary Reuter:
A long time hobby beekeeper and trained in technology education, Gary began working with
Marla when she moved to Minnesota in 1993. Without his hard work, the program would not be
what it is today. He maintains the research colonies, helps train and work with students in the
field, designs and builds specialty equipment and speaks to beekeeping, student and civic groups.
He plans the Extension short courses and together with Marla teaches beginning as well as
experienced beekeepers. His humorous style of teaching helps the classes stay interested and
enthusiastic about a sometimes challenging subject. He is a past president of both Minnesota
Hobby Beekeepers Association and Wisconsin Honey Producers Association and director of the
American Beekeeping Federation, and remains active in these groups. He still finds time to
mange his own colonies, while learning to blacksmith, maintaining an orchard, and helping his
wife raise sheep.
Attachments: None
Commissioners may wish to prepare by visiting the following web resources:
http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/diy-backyard-beekeeping-47031701
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/19/urban-beekeeping-for-begi_n_415082.html
ACTION REQUESTED:
Advise staff on resources requested for additional discussion