4c. DRAFT Pollinator Friendly ResolutionRESOLUTION xx
CITY OF SCANDIA
January 20, 2016
DRAFT RESOLUTION ENDORSING " POLLINATOR FRIENDLY" POLICIES AND PRACTICES,
WHEREAS, bee -safe policies are a Best Practice Action of the Green Step City Program which the City
of Scandia is a member; and
WHEREAS, bees and other pollinators are integral to our food system, and pollination provided by honey
bees and other essential pollinators account for one in every three bites of food, -and contribute over $19
billion worth of services to U.S. agriculture; and
WHEREAS, pollinators including butterflies, honeybees, bumblebees, and native bees are facing annual
declines due to the combined effects of habitat loss, pesticide use, and pathogens; and
WHEREAS research shows a link between neonicotinoid pesticides and pollinator population declines,
including honey bees, native bees, butterflies, moths, and other insects; and
WHEREAS, scientific evidence shows neonicotinoid pesticides that are harmful to pollinators are also
harmful to other invertebrates, birds, fish and small mammals; and
WHEREAS, we find these actions to be in the public interest and demonstrate the City' s commitment to a
safe and healthy community for people as well as pollinators.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Scandia:
1) The City of Scandia encourages healthy environments for people and pollinators through existing
programs and new opportunities.
2) The City of Scandia, including its contractors, will consider safe alternatives to pollinator -
harming pesticides, and cease the use of neonicotinoid insecticides, and will use plants and plant
seeds that have not been treated with neonicotinoids in its new plantings.
3) The City of Scandia will undertake its best efforts to plant pollinator friendly plantings favorable
to pollinators and free of systemic pesticides on City properties and land.
4) In all city property planting or landscaping projects going forward, the City of Scandia will
endeavor to use native Minnesota species.
5) The City of Scandia will support efforts to educate the community about the importance of
creating and maintaining pollinator -friendly habitat and encourage residents and businesses to use
similar pollinator friendly practices.
6) The City of Scandia will transmit copies of this resolution to the Minnesota Department of
Agriculture, Governor Mark Dayton, State Representatives and Senators, U.S.Representatives
and Senators, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S.Department of Agriculture.
7) The City of Scandia will publish a Pollinator Friendly City Progress Report on an annual basis.