Restoration efforts specific to the federally endangered rusty patched bumble BEE (bombus affinis) occur throughout the great lakes region at the federal, state, local, and private citizen levels

This project addresses restoration efforts in two ways, (1) developing a restoration plan for the great lakes region and (2) evaluating existing rusty patched bumble BEE restorations. To assist land managers and property owners with developing and maintaining restorations, a restoration plan that provides vegetation management guidance, best management practices, and optimal size, structure, and location(S) of current and future restorations is developed. The restoration plan is constructed using the best available research, historic and current natural history information, and suggestions by expert BEE biologists. Evaluation of existing rusty patched bumble BEE habitat restorations is completed via field surveys in restorations near known populations of rusty patched bumble BEE in indiana (niches [northern indiana citizens helping ecosystems survive] land trust) and wisconsin. Field surveys ascertain whether restorations attract rusty patched bumble bees from nearby known populations and determine current management practice efficacy. Field surveys are completed for rusty patched bumble BEE and other bees over four years (2022-2025); management strategies are evaluated each year for effects on bumble bees and annual recommendations are made. Surveys generally follow FWS survey protocols for the rusty patched bumble BEE (bombus affinis) version 2.2, rapid survey protocol to expedite sampling and cover as much area as possible and include non-lethal survey techniques. Both the restoration plan and evaluation of restoration management efficacy provide significant support for the great lakes restoration initiative's and U.S. Fish & wildlife service's overall conservation goals in the region.