Research Shows Thinning Benefits Bees, Forests

Researchers in Colorado over a 10 year period have determined that forest thinning opens up canopies and benefits key tree pollinators by allowing more flower and shrub species that attract and sustain bee populations. Biologists from Colorado State and Utah State studied 15 thinned and 15 unthinned forest plots and found more species diversity and better overall forest health in the thinned tracts.

The researchers were also able to identify key pollinator plant species such as blue mist penstemon, field chickweed, pineywoods geranium and others and recommend that resource managers seed forests with them to promote a robust pollinator network that benefits all plant species.