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<br /> <br /> STAFF REPORT <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />TO: Parks & Recreation Commission <br /> <br />FROM: Bryce Shearen, Parks & Recreation/Community Services Manager <br /> <br />DATE: January 26, 2018 <br /> RE: Pollinator Initiative <br /> <br />Staff met with Xcel Energy to discuss the possibility of a trail extension and connection under the <br />powerline corridor on the north end of the City (Payne - Edgerton). During the discussion staff <br />learned of a Pollinator Initiative that Xcel Energy has started. This initiative is to support the fight <br />to save the pollinators by looking for opportunities to plant milkweed (a plant essential in the <br />lifecycle of monarchs) and other native nectar-producing plants along right-of-way corridors and <br />other Xcel Energy land. <br /> <br />Honeybees, wild bees, and monarch butterflies are essential to plant pollination for both native <br />vegetation and food crops. The North American monarch butterfly population has declined more <br />than 90 percent since the 1980s. By utilizing the existing rights-of-way to enhance habitats for <br />pollinators, the recovery of the monarch butterfly and other pollinators has been significant. It is <br />the understanding of staff that the cost would be nominal for the City if we partnered with Xcel <br />Energy on a pollinator project. <br /> <br />Staff is recommending further exploration into the Xcel Energy Pollinator Initiative. Staff is <br />looking for comments and discussion from the Commission. <br /> <br />Attached Document: <br />• Location of potential area(s) for Pollinator Initiative <br />• Pollinator Fact Sheet <br />• Pollinator Pledge <br />• EEI Article – Utilities take action on habitat restoration= <br /> <br />