Responsible Beekeeping in New Jersey

[sbashpet]

Hi everyone,

I stumbled across this wonderful site yesterday and have spent many hours since then reviewing posts and replies.  :D

My friend Tommy and I have established a hive in Warren County, New Jersey.  Our hive is doing great!  (hive inspection questions coming soon!  :lol: )

My current question is regarding hive registration and identification.  I called the county and then the town and after spending nearly an hour on the phone nobody knows what the regulations/procedures are regarding beekeeping in my area.

From what I've read in New Jersey's Department of Argiculture site we're within the guidelines.  Also, we've followed unofficial guidelines of good beekeeping practices in neighborhood settings.

Any advice or recomendations are appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Peter

NJ Dept Aggriculture link:
http://www.njbeekeepers.com/Site_Docs/NJDA%20guidelines_bees_populated_areas.pdf

[Kris^]

You are required to register annually any beeyard in NJ where hives are overwintered.  The NJ Department of Agriculture, Division of Plant Industry, administers the registration.  When you make a new registration, they send you a pamphlet of the statutes and regulations affecting beekeeping in the state, and a handy publication called "Guidelines for Keeping Bees in Populated Ares."  It outlines Best Management practices for beekeeping in the state.  There is no fee for registering, and they send you a new registration form each year to renew, if applicable.  Information on registering can be had by calling 609-292-5440.  There is also complete information, including .pda copy of the registration form at http://www.state.nj.us/agriculture/plant/bee.htm

There is also a voluntary registration administered by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection.  This is the Pesticide Control Program.  You have to register by March 1st each year.  When you are registered, your beeyard gets placed on a listing that is distribted to persticide applicators.  Any pesticide applicator is required to notify beekeepers located within 3 miles of the application site prior to spraying.  You can get more information at 609-984-6992.  There is also complete information, including .pda copy of the registration form at http://www.state.nj.us/dep/enforcement/pcp/bpo-bee.htm

There may be additional local ordinances that effect you.  I'd look under the local agricultural code, or the zoning code.  It may spell out the number of livestock, poultry, hives, etc. permittted in different zones.  It may be well hidden.  For instance, in my town, the ordinance says that in my zone, any agricultural activity that follows Best Management practices can not be considered a nuisance.  Meaning all the denizens of these vinyl villages popping up around us cannot complain that I'm maintaining a public nuisance as long as I adhere to the guidelines.   :)

Hope this answers your questions!

-- Kris

[sbashpet]

Kris!

Thank you very much.  I could not have asked for a more thorough answer!

Peter