Letterbox

Dear Watchers:

Thanks for the great write up in the Whatcom Watch about the struggling pollinators of the world. I am co-president of the Mount Baker Beekeepers Association (MBBA), and just found out about your article on the decline of the honeybee.

All beekeepers have been aware of this dilemma for years, and MBBA has been trying to educate the public about this problem. Our association, of about 30 members, has an annual booth at the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden, at which we have a live observation hive and displays of beekeeping equipment.

Needless to say, the observation hive draws the most crowds — everyone wants to find the “queen.” We reward the kids with stickers, hand stamps and honey candy; the grown-ups get an “I Love You Honey” sticker. The questions asked are varied, but the most common is “Have you ever been stung?”

I would like, if at all possible, to get some hard copies of the December issue of Whatcom Watch to share with our club members and to be made available for display and sharing at the Northwest Washington Fair this summer.

We are a small but very dedicated group, and meet once a month with different bee topics each meeting.

There are not enough beehives currently in Whatcom County to meet the demand for spring pollination of blueberries, raspberries, pumpkins, apples and other crops. These extra bees need to be imported from other states just to meet the demand. The demand is great and the bees so few.

Thanks again for helping to make everyone aware of this fragile pearl we call Whatcom County.

Dear Watchers:

I was impressed by the third part in John Rawlins’ series on fossil fuel depletion and by your site in general; I came across it for the first time today via the energy bulletin.

I am one of the national convenors of ASPO Australia, my particular area of interest is the potential impact of oil depletion on the health care system.

I would very much like to get a copy of the population and energy use chart that John refers to in his opening paragraph.

Thank you.