HomeMy WebLinkAbout15-045 - ADMIN Resolution - City Council - 2015/03/16•
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RESOLUTION NO. 15-045
RESOLUTION ENDORSING "BEE -SAFE"
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
WHEREAS, bees and other pollinators are integral to a wide diversity of essential foods
including fruit, nuts, and vegetables; and
WHEREAS bees and other pollinators are threatened due to habitat loss and pesticide
use, and native bees and honey bees are also threatened due to pathogens and parasites; and
WHEREAS pollinators need to eat throughout the growing season, early spnng through
fall; and
WHEREAS, recent research suggests that there is a link between pesticides that contain
neonicotinoids and the die -off of plant pollinators, including honeybees, native bees, butterflies,
moths, and other insects; and
WHEREAS, neonicotinoids are synthetic chemical insecticides that are similar in
structure and action to nicotine, a naturally occurring plant compound; and
WHEREAS, the City of St. Louis Park is committed to Hennepin County's Integrated
Pest Management (IPM) program, which considers the use of pesticides as a last resort, while the
potential for the use of biological controls such as parasitoids and microbes could be a safer
option; and
WHEREAS, the Precautionary Principle states that in environmental matters, the theory
that if the effects of a product or action are unknown, then the product should not be used and the
action should not be taken.
WHEREAS, although Americans' annual expenditures on lawn and garden products
ranks third highest in how we spend our money, most Amencans lack knowledge of the toxic
consequences of their purchases; and
WHEREAS, citizens need current, science -based information regarding environmentally
sound garden and pest practices so that they can make informed decisions, and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds it is in the public interest and consistent with
the City's Vision of Environmental Stewardship for the City to demonstrate its commitment to a
safe and healthy community environment through the implementation of best management
practices in the maintenance of the city parks, open spaces and city property.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
St. Louis Park, Minnesota, that:
1. The City shall undertake its best efforts to become a Bee -Safe City based upon the
Precautionary Principle.
Ili2. The City shall adhere to Hennepin County's Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
program parameters, emphasizing biological controls over pesticides.
Resolution No. 15-045 -2-
3. The City shall refrain from the use of systemic neonicotinoid pesticides on St. Louis
Park City property.
4. The City shall undertake its best efforts to prescribe and use systemic neonicotinoid-
free plants, seeds, and products favorable to bees and other pollinators in the City's public
spaces.
5. The City shall designate Bee -Safe areas (Browndale, Fern Hill, Lamplighter,
Minikanda Vista, Shelard, Twin Lakes Parks, Westwood Hills Nature Center, and Bass Lake
Prese e) which feature City plantings that are free from systemic pesticides including
neonice inoids.
6. The City shall undertake best efforts to communicate to St. Louis Park residents the
importance o reating and maintaining a pollinator -friendly habitat.
Revie
inistration:
City M
Attest:
A opted th ity Council March 16, 2015
Mayor
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