HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-25 Establishing Bee City USA Sub-Committee
RESOLUTION NO.2014- a,~'
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A BEE SUB-COMMITTEE AND
CONSENTING TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF BECOMING
A BEE CITY USA
RECITALS:
A. The goal of BEE CITY USA is to promote healthy, sustainable habitats and communities for
bees and other pollinators;
B. Thanks to the tremendous diversity of wild native bees, along with the honey bees that were
brought here from Europe in the 1600s, we have very diverse dietary choices rich in fruits,
nuts and vegetables: "One in every three bites of food we eat is courtesy of insect pollination.
Even our meat and milk trace back to insects that pollinate the alfalfa and other feed for beef
cattle and cows" (Mace Vaughan, Pollinator Program Director for the Xerces Society for
Invertebrate Conservation);
C. Bees and other pollinators around the globe have experienced dramatic declines due to a
combination of habitat loss, use of pesticides, and the spread of pests and diseases, with
grave implications for the future health of flora and fauna;
D. Cities and their residents have the opportunity to support bees and other pollinators on both
public and private land;
E. Supporting pollinators fosters environmental awareness and sustainability, and increases
interactions among community stewards such as commercial and backyard beekeepers,
farmers, children, educators, Master Naturalists, Master Gardeners, plant nurseries,
municipalities, neighborhoods, and garden suppliers and clubs;
F. The economic benefits of (native and honey) bee-friendliness are:
1. Healthy ecosystems--insect pollinators are required for pollination and reproduction
of about 85% of flowering plants globally, plants that: 1) are vital for clean air and
water; 2) provide food, fiber and shelter for people and wildlife; and 3) support the
very insects that pollinate our crops and form the basis of food webs.
2. Increased vegetable and fruit crop yields due to bee pollination.
3. Increased habitat for natural enemies of crop pests and therefore reduced need for and
costs associated with pesticides.
4. Increased demand for pollinator-friendly plant materials from local nurseries and
growers.
5. Income earned by beekeepers and others through the sale of bee products, beekeeping
equipment and supplies, and hive rentals for pollination; and, heightened prestige and
premium asking prices for place-based honey, which enhances the visibility and
reputation of its community of origin
G. Designating Ashland, Oregon as a BEE CITY USA affiliate would:
1. Honor and emphasize Ashland's rich agricultural history and present;
2. Benefit local businesses that depend on pollinators;
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3. Celebrate our cultural identity as a community that values sustainable practices;
4. Contribute to tourism in the region
5. Improve food security and health by supporting local food sources; and,
6. Encourage local collaboration on projects that promote environmental education and
sustainable practices.
H. Pollinator-friendly habitats provide the following benefits:
1. Diverse and abundant nectar and pollen from plants blooming in succession.
2. Clean water for drinking, nest-building, cooling, diluting stored honey, and butterfly
puddling.
3. Pesticide-free community or pesticide use carried out with least ill effects on
pollinators.
4. Comprised of mostly, if not all, native species of annual and perennial wildflowers,
shrubs, trees, and grasses because many native pollinators prefer or depend on the
native plants with which they co-evolved.
5. Where possible, designated pollinator zones in public spaces with signage to educate
the public and build awareness.
6. Safe and humane removal of bees when required.
7. Undisturbed spaces (leaf and brush piles, un-mowed fields or field margins, fallen
trees and other dead wood) for nesting and overwintering for native pollinators; and
THE CITY OF ASHLAND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
A. In order to enhance understanding among municipal staff and the public about the vital role
that pollinators play and what each of us can do to sustain them, the City of Ashland agrees
to meet the following standards required of all BEE CITY USA affiliates:
B. Establish/maintain the Bee City USA Sub-committee as a sub-committee of Ashland Parks
and Recreation, comprised of one Parks and Recreation Commissioner and three citizens and
staffed by employees, charged with assembling and disseminating information on topics of
pollinator-friendly habitat and policies to municipal departments, residents, businesses, and
developers.
C. Pass this BEE CITY USA resolution (which articulates these standards).
D. Publicly acknowledge the community's commitment by agreeing to a) install/maintain at
least one authorized BEE CITY USA street sign in a prominent location, and b)
create/maintain links on appropriate pages of the municipal website which includes the
municipality's BEE CITY USA liaison(s), links to a PDF of this signed Resolution and the
BEE CITY USA website, and summaries of the pollinator-friendly activities the municipality
has undertaken or accomplished the previous year(s).
E. Commit to annually celebrate National Pollinator Week (third full week of June) or some
other appropriate occasion through events, proclamations, and promotions that showcase the
municipality's commitment to being a BEE CITY USA affiliate.
F. Commit to annually apply for renewal of the community's designation and submit a report
of BEE CITY USA activities following the format provided.
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This resolution was duly PASSED and ADOPTED this AG day of AMWX~0-, 2014, and
takes eff ct upon signing by the Mayor.
arbara Christensen, City Recorder
SIGNED and APPROVED this day of be (_epAbe r , 2014.
Jo Stromberg, Mayor
Reviewed as to form:
*tA
David H. Lohman, City Attorney
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