MDARD For immediate release: April 28, 2021 LANSING, MI - Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Gary McDowell and Senator Rick Outman (R-Six Lakes) announced today that the state's beekeepers can now self-subscribe to receive email alerts during public health emergencies, such as outbreaks of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) or West Nile Virus, requiring aerial pesticide applications. Michigan law requires pesticide applicators making community-wide or right-of-way applications to notify people in the target area prior to the application. However, during a declared public health emergency the notification requirement is waived to not hinder critical response efforts. "MDARD and Senator Outman's office worked together on a solution to provide a direct line of communication to our beekeeping community to protect their hive, but not slow response efforts during public health emergencies," said McDowell. "Through partnership with the Senator, the department can leverage existing technology, which means no additional funding was needed. I appreciate his support to ensure the viability of Michigan's important bee population."