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

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property. The non-profit provides resources on their website for both cities and private citizens interested in taking action on pollinator protection. Pollinate Minnesota Started in 2015, Pollinate MN is a self -described advocacy group that offers a comprehensive toolkit for cities that are considering passing a pollinator -friendly resolution. The toolkit offers suggestions on what local government actions are the most effective and how to construct and augment policies that will work to enhance pollinator health and success. Pollinator Friendly Alliance Although this Stillwater -based organization largely targets citizen ad'cy for pollinators, they have been involved in a number of pollinator demonstration projects or g..e in the metro area and support cities in their efforts to become pollinator friendly. Existing pollinator efforts in Ramsey While the City of Ramsey has not made a formal ment to protect po'.r species, it has certainly engaged in actions intended to directly su pollinators and their habitat. The City completed a Natural Resources Inventory in 2007 that incorporat th ext d quality of natural landscapes in the community, providing a baseline aess of environmentally, mportant areas ancIcations that may be ideal candidates for protection efforts retain natural habitats critical for pollinators. Importantly, city staff has confirmed that tti ' does not acti ly use neonicotinoid pesticides to manage insects in its parks or public facilitie In 2016, the City approve Brook Trail Connector. The project food sources for monarc terflies, plantings to Ramsey Elem monarch fr. Ramse differen the plant he native planting from establishing outright restriction, t reduced fee amount, red 1 • a y Code doe from noxious estrictions un or establish e pe. • •,. • cover on itiona Sch e po • s or tive proj to crea, andscape along the Trott arily focused oirringin eed and liatris plantings, both he area. The City has also supported efforts to bring native eir 4th gra classes to plant and maintain to expand a n or -friend sions. Native plantings are specifically ce vegetation definitions. Prairie vegetation is excluded from he pu isance section of code, and yards are permitted to include of nati prairie. Ramsey provides information on the benefits ebsite. The City has also evolved its policy toward beekeeping from , which carried a significant fee, to a beekeeping license with a rriers to beekeeping in the city. Co -benefits of pollinator protection Should the City of Ramsey elect to support pollinator protection, it will also promote a number of co - benefits ranging from environmental protection to support of the comprehensive plan. There are several ways in which pollinator protections align with existing City goals and initiatives.