> Automatic digest processor <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > As an apiary inspector that has many years experience dealing with nisance bee complaints in urban areas I use to wonder whether our legislation was adequate. In short our legislation is simple in that it provides the Director of the Dept of Agriculture the power to restrict or prohibit beekeeping on certain land where it is determined that the practice of beekeeping causes a public nuisance or threat to public health or safety. This clause is open to broad interpretation and application. Having read through the Fort Collins ordinance I feel comfortable with the legislation I am dealing with. The reason I say this is that out of about three hundred nuisance bee complaints in the last six years I would have recommended prohibition in about 25 cases. I have always used prohibition as a last resort. In most cases of prohibition it is due to a public health issue. In a couple of unfortunate cases I have actually had beekeepers deliberatley use there bees as a tool in neighbourly feuds. With open and flexible legislation to work with and an industry backed Code of Practice I can educate both beekeeper and complainant, help amateur beekeepers with management practices that will reduce the impact of beekeeping on their neighbours and eventually resolve the issues of a complaint. I do this with the support of the Amateur Beekeeper's Associations who regularly discuss the issues of urban beekeeping. I would be interested in hearing the impact and how effective the ordinance will be. Will it be an imposition on urban beekeepers, most of whom do the right thing anyway? Will it reduce the number of complaints? Will this eventually lead to the demise of the urban beekeeper in Aurora, or will it make it a win-win situation for both beekeeper and non-beekeeper in urban environments? After reading the highly specific and strongly worded Fort Collins ordinance I think our more simple and open legislation is the more workable option. Rob Bowman Senior Inspector NSW Agriculture Sydney Australia :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::