It's completely inexplicable, but the city of Minneapolis does not allow its residents to keep bees. The enlightened city of Saint Paul, which is a mere half mile from my house, allows backyard beekeeping. So do most of the Twin Cities suburbs.
Why prohibit beekeeping? Honeybees provide valuable pollination for urban flowers and fruit, such as roses, tomatoes, pumpkins, raspberries, plums, and apples. Native pollinators – bumblebees and solitary bees – already exist, but in woefully small numbers. A neighborhood with resident honeybees enjoys better flower and fruit yields.
Although some people are allergic to bee stings, a well-managed hive doesn't come in contact with unsuspecting neighbors. A foraging honeybee rarely stings. And remember – most stings come from wasps or yellowjackets.
Professor Marla Spivak, a U of M entomologist and Saint Paul resident, keeps two hives in her back yard. Her lucky neighbors get better gardens and a yearly gift of honey.
Why not Minneapolis? Contact your city council person and request that these outdated regulations be changed.
Copyright 1996-2005 Anne Chenette. All Rights Reserved.