Agenda - Council - 05/23/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Pollinator species in decline Pollinator species contribute significantly to seed and food production in flowering plants. Bees are among the most recognizable pollinator species, but other insects like monarch butterflies, moths, and animal species such as bats and birds contribute to flowering plant pollination as well. Three-quarters of the world's flowering plants rely on pollinator species for reproduction'. The health and economic value of pollinator species cannot be understated: almost one-third of the human diet depends upon animal - pollinated plants, and the economic value of the honeybee to the •ricultural industry has been measured at $18.9 billion annually'. Pollinator populations across the nation and around the w are a number of causes that have been identified as co populations, including parasites and infections, extr insecticides, and loss of native habitat for pollinat Pesticides containing neonicotinoid compounds in ng fact ather pattern er due to land con ular are shown to indu in certain insect species. In August 2016, Governor Ma ton issues an execut significant restrictions on the use of ne tinoid pestici n Minnesota and unders importance of pollinator species to the ental and ecanomic health of the state. Pollinator programs for cities Local governments can play a rol,in reducing pollinator decline by ac n a measureable decline. There the decline of pollinator mful pesticides and or changing climate. orientation or death er3 outlining ng the rotecting or promoting pollinator habitat and reducing the e of toxic compounds that are shoto harm pollinator species. There are a number o ing polli r initiatives and 'Oral advaglikroups that have been formed to encourage city governmEtion. A summary of sof these key initiatives is included here. The City or protection programs or initiatives, but may t of any action to support pollinator of Ramsey is not currently olved in any existing po consider aligning with one or more of these programs as protecligir Mayors' Monarch Pledge . This Nationa' Vildlife Federation initiative ically targets protections for monarch butterflies, a pollinator species whose population has declined ninety percent (90%) over the past two decades. The Pledge involves (1) a ma oral pledge commitment to protect monarch habitat and encourage citizen action, (2) a follow upiiiiiik. the City outlining at least three (3) specific actions that will be taken to protect monarchs, (3) taking action,dnd (4) reporting on progress on a quarterly basis. Humming for Bees This Minnesota non-profit, volunteer -led effort that describes themselves as "dedicated to contributing to a sustainable future for bees and other pollinators" has partnered with local City Councils to pass "Bee Safe" resolutions. They assisted the City of Shorewood in developing the first bee -friendly city policy in the state, comprising a commitment to refrain from neonicotinoid use as well as planting clover on city ' htto://www.mda.state.mn.us/protecting/bmos/pollinators/moreoollinators.asox 2 htto://www.Qollinator.org/Resources/NAS%20NRC%20selected%20 iuotes.Qdf 3 https://mn.gov/governor/assets/2016_08_25_EO_16-07_tcm1055-253931.pdf