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Students and conservation groups win committee backing for insect education memorial
Summary
The Senate Conservation Committee recommended that state agencies participate in a no-cost insect workshop after students and conservation groups described sharp insect declines and the educational benefits of agency training.
The Senate Conservation Committee voted to recommend approval of Senate Memorial 3, a student-crafted measure asking state agencies to participate in a no-cost workshop on insect identification, ecology, monitoring and management.
Student speakers from local high schools told the committee the effort is educational, not regulatory. “This drop is almost violent,” said Chloe Coretti, a junior at Rio D’Oso High School, describing international studies showing steep insect biomass declines. Wildcraft and the Xerces Society and university partners, presenters said, would cover workshop costs and provide educational materials so the memorial would not require additional state funding.
Supporters told senators the workshops would reduce fear of insects and improve stewardship. Caitlin Hase, a pollinator conservation specialist with the Xerces Society, said her organization will co-present with the University of New Mexico Museum of Southwestern Biology to help agency staff learn identification and stewardship practices. Melanie Kirby, an entomologist and extension educator, urged training in integrated pest management so land managers can distinguish beneficial from harmful species.
Committee members pressed presenters on management questions, public-safety concerns and which agency should lead the effort. One senator suggested broadening the language to include other arthropods so that the study would be “all inclusive.” Presenters repeatedly said the memorial is education-focused and that management decisions would be left to technical experts.
After discussion the committee moved and seconded a ‘do pass’ recommendation; the secretary called roll and the chair announced the memorial would advance with the committee’s recommendation.
The memorial asks agencies to participate and to disseminate public-facing educational materials; according to testimony, sponsors and partners will cover staff time and materials. The next step is for the measure to be placed on the Senate calendar for further consideration by the full chamber.
