We have recently completed more than four years of work on advocating the
use of public lands (state and federal) for bee pasture and staging areas.
As Adrian and Jerry state, you can't just put bees on public lands, or
private for that matter.  Such action is trespassing.

The US. Forest Service and BLM have specific language in code allowing them
the discretion of issuing use permits to beekeepers.  Access to specific
sites is based upon the specific or general statutory purpose of the land
use.  If apiary sites mesh with the statutory purpose, then permits may be
issued.  Example:  WA Fish and Wildlife won't permit apiaries on sites
during wildlife calving periods.  Usually the fee is based upon some
schedule defining the current market value for the use.

In Washington, state land is permitted in the same manner.  Private land is
permitted according to the policy of the owner and usually there is more
negotiation about the cost of the permit.

James C. Bach
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