DCS was an active part of getting the New York Birds and Bees Protection Act passed and signed. DCS was part of the brainstorming and activism for this act, including filing comments on the various drafts, encouraging people to sign petitions and sending emails, postcards and letters to legislators and to Gov. Hochul. We helped get it through the legislature by reaching NYers via our weekly presence at the Narrowsburg Farmers Market and from the DCS storefront on Main Street in Narrowsburg, NY. We also did in-person persuading/educating of legislators in Albany. We will be(e) working to expand this ground-breaking first step to a wider ban of these poisons.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed into law Legislation S.1856-A/A.7640, known as the Birds and Bees Protection Act. This nation-leading legislation protects New Yorkers from potentially harmful toxins by prohibiting the use of certain neonicotinoid pesticide (neonics) treated corn, soybean, or wheat seeds and neonicotinoid pesticides for outdoor ornamental plants and turfs, creating important protections for New York’s pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.

“By signing the Birds and Bees Protection Act, New York is taking a significant stride in protecting our kids, environment and essential pollinators,” Governor Hochul said. “This law underscores our commitment to fostering a thriving ecosystem while we prioritize sustainable farming and agricultural practices.”

Read more from the Governor’s office here.