D3090: The effects of management actions on pollinator population dynamics within the Northern Great Plains National Parks

Monday, November 11, 2024

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST

Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 6, PCC

Presenting Author(s)

NC

Nina Crawford

University of Wyoming
Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Co-Author(s)

LT

Lusha M. Tronstad, Ph.D.

Invertebrate Zoologist
University of Wyoming
Laramie, Wyoming

Climate change, pathogens, pesticides, and changes in land use are implicated in the global decline of pollinating insects. While there have been advancements in understanding large-scale drivers of global pollinator declines, fewer studies examined how local management actions altered the diversity and abundance of local pollinator populations. The diversity of pollinators influences the ecological and economic health of lands, and the National Park Services values these critical contributors to biodiversity. The decline of pollinators led managers to evaluate current practices to conserve bees and butterflies. Information is accumulating on how pollinators broadly respond to management actions, but practical guidance is needed for specific locations and methods. We assessed pollinators before and after invasive plant treatments, mowing, and prescribed fires in four national parks within the Black Hills region to understand the degree to which management actions affect pollinators. We are particularly interested in how management actions can affect pollinators that are known to be in decline. We walked transects to target net bees and butterflies, and we collected bees using vane traps. We collected our first year of data to assess the pollinator assemblages in each park. We are analyzing the abundance and richness of bees and butterflies, and floral resources to estimate how actions may alter them. This information will play a critical role in creating management recommendations to protect the abundance and diversity of pollinator populations within the Northern Great Plains Parks.