HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution - 2016-37 - Pollinator-Safe Policies & Procedures - 02/16/2016 CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO 2016-37
A RESOLUTION ENDORSING "POLLINATOR-SAFE"
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
WHEREAS,the Eden Prairie City Council recognizes that bees and other pollinators are integral to
pollination of plants in order to grow a wide diversity of essential foods including fruit, nuts and
vegetables; and
WHEREAS, pollinator populations are threatened due to habitat loss, pesticide use, pathogens and
parasites; and
WHEREAS, recent research suggests there is a link between certain systemic pesticides, especially
those that contain neonicotinoids and the die-off of plant pollinators such as honey bees, native
bees, butterflies, moths and other insects; and
WHEREAS, application of certain pesticides such as neonicotinoids and systemic herbicides may
reduce pollinator habitat; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds it is in the public interest and consistent with adopted City
policy for the City to demonstrate its commitment to a safe and healthy community environment
through the implementation of pest management practices in the maintenance of city parks, open
spaces and city property.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Eden Prairie:
1. The City shall continue its efforts to become a "Pollinator-Safe" City by undertaking best
management practices for management of plantings, including an emphasis on biological
controls over pesticides, in all public places within the City, including parkland and right-of-
ways.
2. The City shall refrain from the purchase and use of systemic pesticides on City property to the
extent practicable, with emphasis on avoiding use of pesticides from the neonicotinoid family.
3. The City shall undertake best efforts to purchase and plant vegetation favorable to bees and
other pollinators in the City's public spaces.
4. The City shall identify actively maintained areas that could be converted back to native habitats
that include pollinator friendly plant species, including spaces that could be managed to educate
the public about pollinator-friendly practices.
5. The City shall undertake best efforts to purchase plants that have not been genetically
engineered to have herbicides or pesticides in their DNA.
6. The City shall undertake best efforts to communicate to City residents the importance of
creating and maintaining a pollinator-safe habitat.
7. The City shall encourage private developers to incorporate pollinator-safe plantings into
required landscaping.
8. The City shall maintain a list of native and naturalized pollinator-safe plants for reference by the
community.
9. The City shall designate a public space to research and implement organic and regenerative
practices with an eye toward expanding such practices.
ADOPTED by the Eden Prairie City Council on February 16, 2016.
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ATTEST:
Kat een Porta, City Clerk