Bee Keeping a Buzz

Crossroads Resource Conservation and Development Councils goal is "making things happen in the community" and it is causing a buzz. Official Sandy Chenal met with the County Commissioners on Thursday afternoon to discuss the annual report.

The 2010 focus was bee keeping. In the 1980s, local bees were killed by a virus; this affected local crops and 80% of all we eat needs pollination.

"Bee keepers are very important to keep pollination for a lot of the specialty crops especially the fruit and the vegetables," said Sandy Chenal of the National Resources Conservation Service.

Another goal is helping agriculture in the area. It supports food security, lowers transportation costs and encourages healthy eating.

"We are also very involved in trying to promote local foods and of course honey is a local food product and we have several counties where we are connecting producers and consumers," said Chenal.

She also says bees are often confused as hornets or wasps but, bees only sting when agitated.  If you see a swarm do not be afraid, call a bee keeper to gather them.