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The 2022 application period has ended and awards have been made. Each applicant should have received an email notifying them as to whether their application was accepted or declined.  If you applied and have not received a letter (and have checked both your IN and JUNK email boxes), please contact utpollinatorhabitatprogram@gmail.com.

Please Note: There will be some slight changes to the application and awardee timeline for the 2023 planting season. The 2023 application period will be open from May 1st to June 15th , 2023. Awardees will be notified of application status by August 1, 2023.

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Welcome to the Utah Pollinator Program! Pollinators play a vital role in our agricultural industry, local economies, and overall health of our ecosystems. Unfortunately, many pollinator populations have experienced drastic declines in recent years. Population loss can be linked to several contributing factors including loss of habitat, changing climate and associated weather patterns, disease and pesticide use.

In a state-wide effort to improve our outlook and boost native pollinator populations, Utah has committed to help establish and enhance pollinator habitat, with a particular emphasis on targeting habitat improvement for native bees. Over the next three years we hope to increase the amount of available habitat across the state by putting approximately 90,000 resource plants in the ground. Native Seed Mixes will also be available for distribution to maximize our reach and effort to help local pollinators succeed. Ready-to-plant Habitat Kits and Seed Mixes will be available for qualified projects through our application process. Both will be awarded based on regional needs and potential for project success. Here you will find all the information you need to learn how to participate (Coming soon) in this exciting program.

Interested in more specifics about our regional Habitat Kits and Seed Mixes?  Coming soon.

 

Utah Pollinator Habitat Program Goals

The purpose of this program is to achieve the following:

• Increase the amount of available pollinator habitat throughout Utah, with particular focus on native bee habitat
• Enhance and expand existing landscapes to improve resources (pollen and nectar) available for pollinators
• Provide better connectivity between habitats to better support beneficial species
• Increase access and availability of native seed resources across the state
• Increase public awareness and involvement to improve pollinator habitat state-wide

General Information

• Online application submission: May 1 – June 15, 2023
• Projects must be in Utah to qualify
• Qualified applicants will be awarded up to 25% costs share through plant and seed contributions for selected projects. There will be no cash awards at this time.
• All categories of applicants will be considered (individuals, non-profits, government agencies, academic institutes, commercial entities, Native American tribes, wildlife preserves, land trusts, etc.)
• Habitat improvement priority areas will include watersheds and habitat corridors that provide connectivity
• Particular emphasis will be on improving habitat for native pollinator and bee populations throughout the state
• Irrigation for plant establishment will be a requirement for project sponsorship
• Awarded applicants will receive additional information in August with plants/seeds available early Fall for distribution
• Plants and seeds will be pre-selected and supplied as ready-to-plant habitat kits based on your area and need

Application Requirements

• All applicants must submit through our online application form (2023 version coming soon). Other forms of applying will not be accepted. 
• Minimum space requirement of 900 square feet needed for consideration 
• Applicants must complete the entire online application form before the June 15th deadline to be considered for that calendar year
• Each separate project requires a separate application
• Applicants must agree to a 3-year follow-up period

Application Review Process

• Incomplete applications will not be reviewed
• Projects will be selected depending on size, potential impact, and available funding. Not all projects will be funded
• Our strategic ranking system will be used during the application review process to prioritize project funding
• Awardees must agree to a possible onsite visit prior to plant/seed distributions

Pollinator Habitat Timeline

• June 2022: 3-year Pilot Program Announcement
• May 1 – June 15, 2023: 2023 Application Period open for submissions
• June 2023 – Follow up photo submission and project reviews from 2022 Grantees due
• July 2023: 2023 Review Period
• August 1, 2023: 2023 Grantee Notifications
• September – October 2023: 2023 Plant Distributions
• June 2024 – Follow up photo submission and project reviews from 2023 Grantees due

Additional Resources

• Click each image to learn more:

 

 

 

 

 

• Trifold Project Information Handout (Coming soon)
• Grantee yearly follow-up submissions (Coming soon)
• Other Utah Pollinator Conservation Programs and Partners
• Apiary proximity resources
• Planting Guide
• Maintenance Guide
• Pollinator Focused Reading List

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can I contact if I have questions? 

Jim Bowcutt and Mindy Wheeler are the project leads and all questions should be directed towards them.  Jim can be reached at: (435) 232-4017; jdbowcutt@utah.gov. Mindy can be reached at: (385) 235-1062; mindy.wheeler@usu.edu.  Also you can email, utpollinatorhabitatprogram@gmail.com.

Can I request specific plant species in my kit?

Not at this time.  All plant kits will be pre-selected based on your specific habitat needs and location. 

What if I only want seeds to enhance my habitat?

Seed requests can be made online and will be available regionally with similar follow-up requirements documenting planting, short-term and long-term success.  Recipients will be responsible for picking up their seed packets at specified locations and dates throughout the state.

When will habitat kits be available?

Habitat kits will be ready by late September to early October.

How do I get my kit?

Recipients will be responsible for picking up their awarded kits on specified dates and times. Upon notification that you have been awarded kits, you will be notified of the days scheduled for pickup near your local distribution center. In the event you cannot make the time and date, you are responsible for contacting the project lead to coordinate an alternate day.  

Can my kit be delivered?

Not at this time.  All habitat kits must be picked up on specified dates and times at the locations listed.

Can I directly purchase a kit without applying through this program?

Not at this time, although we are working with local nurseries to make this option available at a future date. Check back for updates.

Is there assistance available for creating and maintaining my habitat?

We have made this planting guide (link) available to assist you in installing your habitat kits and seeds.  A maintenance guide is also available with some trouble-shooting tips to help answer questions regarding seasonal maintenance should those arise. Feel free to reach out to project leads with questions or concerns and for updates on the availability of additional resources. 

Where can I apply?

ONLINE APPLICATION FORM (2023 version available soon)

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The Utah Pollinator Habitat Program is now on Facebook and Instagram, where you can get up to date news and ideas.

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