This summer, I am working with wildlife biologists and botanists from the Yreka Fish and Wildlife Office in Northern California. Although due to COVID-19, I am working from home in Denver, CO, my project has been adjusted to be completed remotely. It is now the fourth week of my internship where I am identifying high quality habitat of the proposed endangered Franklin’s bumble bee (Bombus Franklini), with my fellow DFP, Claire. The only place in the world where the Franklin’s bumble bee is found is in a narrow range of Northern California and Southern Oregon. Having last been seen in 2006, Franklin’s bumble bee is proposed endangered with a final decision to be made later this summer.

The main part of my project is using Geographical Information System (GIS) and aerial photos to identify high quality habitat in the historic range of Franklin’s bumble bee. High quality habitat consists of a meadow, that is rich in wildflower diversity, and contains a wetland. Meadows that have not been sprayed with pesticides nor have large vegetation removal creates higher quality habitat where Franklin’s would likely be found. Using the aerial photos, I can identify wetlands and meadows that may potentially have Franklin’s bumble bees residing within them. The best of the identified habitats will eventually bee surveyed for Franklins in hope that there are still some individuals left. Although it has been several years since the Franklin’s bumble bee has been sighted, many alpine meadows, which are hard to access by biologists, have not been surveyed.

Along with identifying high quality habitat, during my project I will also be creating a floral guide of common plants that Franklin’s bumble bee need along with working on a consultation guide of available literature on bumble bees in North America. Claire and I will also be assisting in planning a Pacific Northwest Bumble Bee symposium. All of these projects help work towards bumble bee conservation.

This project is very exciting and holds a lot of importance for the Franklin’s bumble bee. Since there has been a large decline in the species, any and all efforts are needed to understand this charismatic insect. My project will help to identify where this species may be located and therefore if any individuals can be identified, more information can be gathered so conservation efforts can continue.

Photograph description: This image is taken by the USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab. The species is a Yellowbanded bumble bee (Bombus terricola), which is closely related to the Franklin's bumbe bee.

Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Program: US Fish & Wildlife Service - DFP

Location: Wildland Fire Training Center