What is the distance required for advanced notification to beekeepers?

In Wisconsin, the requirement for advanced notification to beekeepers is set at a distance of 1½ miles. This regulation is crucial because it gives beekeepers adequate time to protect their hives from potential pesticide exposure, ensuring the safety and health of pollinator populations. Notifying beekeepers at this distance allows them to take preventative measures, such as moving their hives or adjusting their management practices during pesticide applications.

The distance is significant because bees can travel several miles from their hives in search of food and water, making it essential to establish a buffer zone that accounts for their foraging habits. The specified distance reflects a balance between agricultural practices and the conservation of important pollinators.