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of Neonicotinoids,both found that bees and other pollinators are threatened by exposure to pesticides,in <br />particular systemic insecticides especially neonicotinoids; and <br />WHEREAS:The Task Force on Systemic Pesticides is comprised of 29 independent scientists <br />commissioned by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)and after four years of <br />analysis of 800 peer-reviewed reports (not industry funded)of systemic pesticides,neonicotinoids and <br />fipronil found clear evidence of harm sufficient to call on all governments around the world to <br />immediately regulate and restrict the use of the systemic insecticides especially neonicotinoids; and <br />WHEREAS:There is concern about the new systemic insecticides the pesticide industry will continue to <br />develop that may be as dangerous or more dangerous than the current systemic insecticides such as <br />neonicotinoids; and <br />WHEREAS:The Task Force on Systemic Pesticides in their Worldwide Integrated Assessment Report <br />encourages farmers and land managers to replace pesticide use with sustainable growing techniques <br />which can reduce risk to pollinators by helping to diversify the landscape and make use of ecological <br />processes as part of food production and land management; and <br />WHEREAS:The United States EPA and Minnesota Department of Agriculture recommends increased <br />use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM),an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term <br />prevention of pests to mitigate harmful environmental impacts and protects pollinator and human health <br />on private and government managed lands; and <br />WHEREAS:We find these actions to be in the public interest and demonstrates the City’s commitment <br />to a healthy environment for people and pollinators. <br />THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: <br />The City of Arden Hills shall promote healthy environments including food sources,clean water and <br />habitat for pollinators through existing programs and new opportunities,on private and government- <br />managed lands. <br />The City shall conduct an inventory of all pesticides being used by the city and its contractors.This <br />inventory will be reviewed and updated regularly. <br />The City shall develop and implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM)plan to foster sustainable <br />and least toxic methods and pose the least possible risk to pollinators,people,resources and the <br />environment. <br />IPM principles include:Inspection and monitoring for pests and plant health,forecasting and timing <br />weather,setting reasonable thresholds that allow for some plant damage and pests,cultural controls, <br />biological controls,and bio rational controls.Sustainable land management embraces:building soil <br />health, conserving biodiversity, restoring native vegetation, and promoting composting. <br />The City,including its contractors,shall take immediate steps to eliminate the use of systemic <br />insecticides,including neonicotinoids on trees,public property,green spaces and parks including the <br />plants and plant products they purchase.The city shall also encourage citizens,community and <br />businesses to do the same on public and private lands.