To Whom It May Concern,

On behalf of the Mile Hive Bee Club, representing urban and suburban beekeepers across Denver, Colorado, we are writing to express our strongest opposition to the proposed closure of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC).

As urban beekeepers, we depend on the research from the Beltsville Bee Lab to manage our colonies successfully against unique local pressures. At a time when colony losses are a critical concern, BARC’s work is essential for the sustainability of beekeeping and the pollination required for our nation’s food supply.

Closing this facility would dismantle a vital team of experts and leave a devastating gap in the science that beekeepers across the country rely on. BARC’s current, unique setup ensures vital overlapping expertise, stability, and intact working groups. We give our full support for the continued operation of BARC and urge you to maintain this irreplaceable resource for our nation’s agricultural and scientific interests.

Sincerely,

The Mile Hive Bee Club Denver, Colorado