Some Regional Recovery For PA Commercial Apiaries One Year After CCD Disaster

[hatrack]

HASTINGS — Local beekeepers are finding their hives in far better shape this spring, a year after as much as a third of the nation’s honey bee hives was lost through colony collapse syndrome, or CCS. Reports from a statewide survey indicate hives in others areas snd those of larger commercial beekeepers also had improved winter survival rates over 2006.

“I’m only down 10 percent, so it’s great,” said Ted Kaminski, a Hastings beekeeper who calculated his 2007 loss at 35 percent to 40 percent of his 30 hives. “I lost three hives (over the winter), and the others are bringing in pollen. There’s a lot of bees flying around,” he said.

The first indication of hive dieout came in late 2006. By spring 2007, beekeepers in the region and elsewhere were sounding the alarm. John Bishop, a beekeeper for more than 70 years, maintains three honey hives at his home overlooking Cresson. His bees made it through the winter in good condition. “Last year, I lost them all and had to get new ones,” said Bishop, 90. “Now they’re flying around out there.”

Bees are essential to the pollination of more than 90 crops. Without them, there would be no apples, blueberries, pumpkins, zucchini or cucumbers – just a few of the local crops that require the bees’ services.

EDIT

http://www.tribune-democrat.com/local/local_story_104232309.html