Will you Speak Up for Pollinators?

 

This post has been updated to reflect the current status of H.B. 251, which has passed through the House and is now moving through the Senate.

Now's the time to speak up for Utah's pollinators!

Utah's Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee has been assigned H.B. 251 and will be heard during the committee meeting on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 4pm.

This bill, "Pollinator Program Amendments," would repeal the sunset date and make the Utah Pollinator Habitat Program permanent, ensuring continued habitat expansion for the pollinators we love.

This program has been an invaluable resource to Utahns by expanding access to native plants, seeds, and pollinator education. Since 2022, this program has awarded over 130,000 free native plants to Utahns to build and improve pollinator habitat.

Sageland Collaborative is committed to ensuring there is state and federal funding available to support wildlife in Utah and the West.

Will you join us in supporting this bill by reaching out to Utah’s legislators today?

How You Can Support:

You may call or email the committee members at their listed contact information below, or you can show your support in person or virtually at the committee hearing later on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 4pm in Utah State Capitol’s Senate Building Room 215.

Here's a guide about what to expect and how to prepare if you're planning on attending the committee hearing. These meetings are open to the public and provide a great forum to express your support!

Click on the names below to learn more about the Senators:

Sen. Derrin R. Owens (R), Chair

  • Counties: Garfield, Juab, Kane, Millard, Piute, Sanpete, Sevier, Utah, Washington, Wayne

  • Phone: 435-851-1284

  • Email: derrinowens@le.utah.gov

Sen. Nate Blouin (D)

Sen. David P. Hinkins (R)

  • Counties: Carbon, Emery, Garfield, Grand, Kane, San Juan, Utah, Wasatch, Wayne

  • Phone: 435-749-2828

  • Email: dhinkins@le.utah.gov

Sen. Keith Grover (R)

Sen. Jerry W. Stevenson (R)

Sen. Scott D. Sandall (R)

Sen. Keven J. Stratton (R)

These legislators represent Utahns and they want to hear from you, so don't be afraid to reach out!

Sample script: "Hello! My name is [NAME] and I live in [CITY]. I'm calling in regards to House Bill 251: Pollinator Program Amendments. I would like to express my support for this bill because [share why you care about the program/pollinators] and I urge you to vote in favor of H.B. 251. Thank you!"

If you choose to call, you may get the Senator's voicemail or speak with a staffer - that's okay! Just read your script, adjust accordingly, and let them know that you are in favor of H.B. 251 and Utah's pollinators!

Thank you for sharing your voice on behalf of the pollinators that unite us!

Program Testimonials

The below quotes are pulled from anonymous feedback surveys from previous Utah Pollinator Habitat Program recipients, including homeowners, land managers, and other pollinator enthusiasts. This is just a small sampling of the impact this program has had across the state!

Photo shared by Becky Yeager.

"It has been so fun to be a part of the program. The awareness is has brought into our home and community is just remarkable to be a part of. I was so excited to see what came back this spring. And seeing the amount and types of pollinators that came to our yard has been amazing to say the least."

"This has been such a wonderful project. I have already seen a positive environmental impact within this one year of adding the plants. Bumblebees, and other pollinators are constantly out and about visiting my native plants. I really hope to see this program continue in the future."

Photo by Miriam Valere.

Photo by Sierra Hastings.

"This grant program is an incredible and needed resource in the state of Utah, for land managers and residents alike. Availability of these plants has allowed us to expand our land management goals and will impact the area for years to come with seed dispersal and collection, and plants spreading."

 
Sierra Hastings