The Importance of Beekeeping and Bee Inspectors
Beekeeping, despite its potential for being a stressful and complicated hobby or occupation, is an essential part of preserving the delicate ecosystem of our planet. Bees play a vital role in pollination, and their disappearance could have devastating consequences for the environment and human society.
Barry Clark: A Local Bee Inspector’s Perspective
Barry Clark, a bee inspector for Prince George, has been working in the field for over eight years. As a member of the Prince George branch of the BC Honey Producers’ Association (BCHPA), Clark has seen firsthand the importance of beekeeping and the challenges that come with it. The BCHPA has been around for almost 100 years, with Clark’s role as a bee inspector existing in some form since 1910. In 2020, the organization celebrated its 100th year of existence, and Clark was proud to be a part of it. “In 2020, we celebrated our 100th year of existence,” said Clark. “The BCHPA and the BC Ministry of Agriculture’s Inspection Services both came about around the same time. In 1910, BC appointed its first bee inspector in the interior of the province. That position was primarily to combat American Foulbrood and to try to save the bee industry from that disease. Around 1920, beekeepers in BC began organizing locally, and by the end of the decade, they had come together as an organization.”
The BCHPA’s Goals and Responsibilities
The primary goals of the BCHPA are education, research, and partnerships in beekeeping. They maintain about 700 partnerships with beekeepers across the province, with approximately 70 maintaining hives in Prince George.
- The BCHPA provides educational resources and workshops for beekeepers to improve their skills and knowledge.
- They conduct research on bee health and disease management.
- They partner with beekeepers to promote sustainable beekeeping practices.
The Importance of Bee Inspectors
As a bee inspector, Clark’s role is crucial in maintaining the health and well-being of honeybees. He inspects bees for disease and health issues, ensuring that they are free of pests and diseases that can harm the bee population. Clark told The Citizen that his role often involves identifying and combating disease and illness in bees in Prince George. “It’s all about animal health,” said Clark. “It’s about trying to keep honeybees healthy and preventing the spread of diseases.”
Bears and Beekeepers: A Deadly Combination
Clark has had his fair share of close encounters with bears, including one with a grizzly that destroyed his personal hives. “I had bees out at the Barquet Ranch,” said Clark. “Their farm manager called me and said, ‘I think you might have a bear in your bee yard’.”
- The bear destroyed one hive, and Clark had to spend the day cleaning up and restringing the bear fence around the debris.
- Clark had another encounter with the grizzly, which charged and threw mud at him.
Clark told The Citizen that honeybees from both North America and Europe have failed to adapt to the Varroa mite, which is currently the number one killer of bees. The Varroa mite is a costly disease that can easily wipe out colonies if not managed properly.
Beekeeping is both an art and a science. Honeybees are among the most studied insects in the world, but the art comes in when dealing with the complexities of bee behavior and the impact of climate change on bee populations. The Prince George branch of the BCHPA attends many local events, such as farmers’ markets and the BC Northern Exhibition. They also have preliminary plans to participate in the Live Well Prince George & Multicultural Heritage Society’s Children’s Festival at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park.
If you are interested in joining the BCHPA or have any general questions about beekeeping in Prince George, please visit the Prince George branch’s website. The organization provides tools and resources for its members, such as organic oxalic acid, which is a safe and environmentally friendly way to treat mites. They also provide tools for aspiring beekeepers for a small fee, such as honey extractors, which would normally cost $700 to $1,000. Conclusion
In conclusion, beekeeping is a vital part of preserving the ecosystem of our planet, and bee inspectors like Barry Clark play a crucial role in maintaining the health and well-being of honeybees. The BCHPA provides essential resources and support for beekeepers, and there are many ways to get involved with the organization. Whether you are a seasoned beekeeper or just starting out, the BCHPA is a great place to learn and connect with others who share your passion for beekeeping.
