>
> >Agreed.  But how to set up administration of this?  Can we get funding
> and some dedicated administrator?


I've been working on this for a few years, nearly got it funded last year
by a major chem company.

I've got the protocols and BMPs roughly worked out, and would have all
monthly data (colony strengths, mite levels, nosema levels, weight gain)
posted in real time to an open website for review by all.  Varroa
treatments would be used to keep all colonies below predetermined seasonal
thresholds.  All work would be done by volunteers other than a paid
administrator.  Everything would be totally transparent.

Any group not following the protocols of BMPs would be removed.  Regular
samples would be taken of pollen loads and bees, and kept archived in
freezers for potential forensic analysis should colonies fail (or to
confirm the degree of chemical exposure).

Ideally, there would also be censuses taken of native pollinators in an
adjacent field of wildflowers.

-- 
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com

             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html