HomeMy WebLinkAboutBee-Safe Orinance Explained
“Bee-Safe” City Resolution: Actions
1. Turn public spaces into Bee-Safe areas:
a) Identify a minimum of two areas on city owned property to develop into a
Bee-Safe area per year.
b) The Bee-Safe area should provide a variety of nectar and pollen sources
for a diverse range of pollinators.
c) The Bee-Safe area will aim to plant in clumps, rather than providing single
plants, to better attract pollinators.
d) Plant a variety of flower colors and shapes to attract different pollinators,
with an emphasis on native plant species. Native plants will attract more
native pollinators and can serve as larval host plants for some pollinator
species.
2. Plant pesticide-free flowers:
a) Many plant nurseries spray plants with systemic insecticides or pesticides
as they grow, or spray the plant seed before growing begins. The term
systemic means that the chemical is soluble enough in water that it can be
absorbed by the plant. Unfortunately this means that the chemical is
forever inside the plant and this alters the pollen and nectar quality,
harming pollinators. The city pledges to buy plants from nurseries that do
not use systemic insecticides or pesticides. There are many in our region
with prices comparable to Menards or Home Depot.
3. No Spraying of the Bee Food (not on it, not near it)
a) The city pledges not to spray chemicals of any kind on flowering bee
friendly species. Flowers are considered “Bee Food” when flowering.
b) If a pesticide is to be used, we will choose one that is the least toxic to
non-pest species, does not persist on vegetation.
c) If, in the extreme case when a pesticide must be used on a flowering plant,
we pledge that it be applied in the evening when pollinators are not as
active.
d) Develop an Integrated Pest Management plan for the city within 6 to 8
months.
4. Educate Our Citizens About Bees: their gifts and needs:
a) The city aims to provide educational literature to citizens (via pamphlets,
and newsletter articles), maintain a Bee-Safe area on the city website, and
create educational videos about the Bee-Safe areas.
b) The city aims to coordinate with the University of Minnesota Bee Lab, the
Extension Master Gardener Program, the Honey Bee Club of Stillwater,
and other local groups to provide education sessions and events for the
public.
c) Educate private land owners & Homeowners Associations about how they
can plant Bee friendly gardens.
5. Begin this spring to implement this resolution:
a) Starting this spring the city will plant Bee-Safe areas in Sunfish Lake Park
and Tablyn Park. The areas are scheduled to be planted this year. Bee
friendly species and planting plans are attached.
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b) Participate in Pollinator Week (June 15) with an event promoting
pollinators.
6. Publish a “Bee Safe” Progress Report each spring that includes:
a) The Bee-Safe areas we have created this year.
b) Any new bee friendly plants we have installed on city property and how
they help the bees.
c) Marketing and Outreach update: synopsis of web site updates and the
information available to the public.
d) Education offered to public: any special events we held to educate the
public, celebrate the Bee-Safe Zones, or special events for kids to learn
about Bees.
e) Goals for the next year and our timeline to achieve them.
f) Metrics to measure effectiveness