08-16-22 PTRC - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

POLLINATOR PROTECTION RESOLUTION Promoting a healthy environment for pollinators, wildlife, and people. WHEREAS:Local food production can help improve the health and food security of Arden Hills residents and insect pollination is an essential component of local food production; and WHEREAS:Pollinators–bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, moths, beetles, etc.--are also an essential component of a healthy ecosystem; For example, a pair of chickadees requires ~6-9,000 caterpillars to feed a single clutch of young; and WHEREAS:Many native pollinators are adapted to depend on specific plant species; Approximately 25% of native bees are specialists–collecting pollen from only very specific host plants; Many species of butterflies and moths are also dependent on specific species or groups of native grasses and flowers as host plants for their larvae; and WHEREAS:Native pollinators (internationally and in Minnesota) are imperiled including the federally endangered Poweshiek skipperling butterfly, Karner blue butterfly, Rusty-patched bumble bee, and federally threatened Dakota skipper butterfly, Yellow-banded bumble bee, and Monarch butterfly. In addition to federally listed species, Minnesota has 8 state-listed endangered pollinator species, 1 threatened, 10 species of special concern, and an additional 19 non-listed species in greatest conservation need; and WHEREAS:Research shows multiple interacting causes are contributors to the severe decline of pollinator populations including parasites, disease, habitat and biodiversity loss, climate change, exposure to pesticides, and synergistic effects of herbicides, fungicides and insecticides; and WHEREAS:Bees and other pollinators became weakened due to lack of nutrition and loss of habitat since WWII when industrial agriculture mono-cropping and prolific use of pesticides became prominent; and WHEREAS:Turf lawns dominate urban landscapes and provide no food or habitat for pollinators, and both urban and rural habitats are crucial for pollinator survival; and WHEREAS:Ideal pollinator-friendly habitat (A) Is comprised of mostly native wildflowers, grasses, vines, shrubs, and trees blooming in succession throughout the growing season to provide diverse and abundant nectar and pollen; (B) is free to nearly-free of pesticides, as many pesticides can harm pollinators and/or their habitat; (C) comprises undisturbed spaces (leaf and brush piles, unmown fields or field margins, fallen trees and other dead wood) for nesting and overwintering; and (D) provides connectivity between habitat areas to support pollinator movement and resilience; and WHEREAS:Landscaping with native plants adapted to local growing conditions requires no fertilizer and only requires watering during the first year or two (or during periods of extreme drought after they are established); Many native plants have deep root systems that make them better able to handle drought; and WHEREAS:The Worldwide Integrated Assessment, a review of 1,121 studies conducted by the Task Force on Systemic Pesticides, plus the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Special Registration Review Attachment A