Palo Cedro has long been known as the honey bee capital of the North State. Now, its neighbor — Redding — is mulling the idea of allowing hives within the city limits.
Longtime beekeeper Glenda Wooten wants the city to allow apiaries on large rural properties within its borders, something that has been banned since the 1930s. She told the Redding City Council last night that according to a Shasta County agriculture report, allowing hives in zoned areas would be good for the local economy.
"Honey bee apiaries’ income is No. 4,” Wooten said. “Field crops, cattle, timer, and nursery plants are above it. Agriculture still exists in Shasta County."
The property she is looking at leasing is currently owned by the McConnell Foundation near Old Oregon Trail and College View Drive. The council will consider the proposal after the city attorney decides whether or not the city could be liable for any injuries caused by bee hives within its jurisdiction.