Alabama Pollinator Week

WHEREAS, pollinator species such as birds and insects are essential partners of farmers and ranchers in producing much of our food supply; and

WHEREAS, pollination plays a vital role in the health of our national forests and grasslands, which provide forage, fish and wildlife, timber, water, mineral resources and recreational opportunities as well as enhanced economic development opportunities for communities; and

WHEREAS, pollinator species provide significant environmental benefits that are necessary for maintaining healthy, bio diverse ecosystems; and

WHEREAS, the state of Alabama has managed wildlife habitats and public lands such as state forests and grasslands for decades; and

WHEREAS, the state of Alabama provides producers with conservation assistance to promote wise conservation stewardship, including the protection and maintenance of pollinators and their habitats on working lands and wild lands:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of the State of Alabama, do hereby proclaim June 16 through 22, 2014, as

Alabama Pollinator Week

in the state of the Alabama.