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At Pollinate Minnesota, we’re working toward a MN that’s better for pollinators and people. www.pollinatemn.org erin@pollinatemn.org, 612.245.6384 1.Eliminate use of neonicotinoid and other systemic insecticides. a.Neonicotinoids are one class of systemic insecticide, and other systemics, like Fipronil, are known to be toxic to pollinators. We’re seeing federal movement toward increased regulation of neonics (hopefully), and we know, historically, when one chemical becomes restricted, industry replaces it with a similar compound, often with equal toxicities. Articulating “neonics and other systemic insecticides” in your resolution addresses concerns with current and future systemic insecticides. 2.Improving/ reassessing municipality Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plans. IPM is a land management strategy that emphasizes controlling pests with the least possible disruption to ecosystems, and is not a term we have a shared definition for. Use specific language around IPM policy change. a.For example: “Direct all city departments to develop an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that requires site inspections, monitoring and prevention strategies, an evaluation on the need for pest control, and when pest control is warranted the use of structural, mechanical, biological and other nonchemical methods first, and if nontoxic options have been exhausted, the use of least- toxic pesticides that have been certified organic or are exempt from federal registration on all public grounds and exterior spaces within the city to protect pollinators.” b.Track departments’ IPM and pesticide use. If the number of departments with IPM plans or currently using neonics is unknown, an initial assessment to establish a baseline can be part of the resolution. 3.Defining exceptions very specifically. a.Managed spaces like golf courses and premiere athletic fields have higher pesticides loads than most lawns. We know that pollinators don't traditionally visit spaces like premiere athletic fields or lawns for food, as there aren’t many flowering plants, and pesticide exposure at the time of spray when applying according to label may be low. Yet, we know, in agricultural applications, these chemicals move to nearby flowering plants, to our groundwater and throughout the environment. Limit the number of exceptions, and define them specifically. b.Seek out alternatives in the areas with exceptions. Pilot projects with more sustainable options including non-chemical controls. Many municipalities have written in pilots for alternative management in their areas of exception. c.These are the sticking spaces nationally- everyone’s having trouble thinking about transitioning away from systemic insecticide use in these spaces. There is a real opportunity for national leadership in managing premiere athletic fields for pollinators. 4.Transitioning to organic management. While replacing a neonic with for an organic or pollinator friendly option is not often a one for one - chemicals like Merit are not easily replaced with a less toxic chemical alternative in treatment of Japanese beetle larva for example- there is national precedent in transitioning to organic management. With increased soil health insecticides are no longer needed. National resources, like Beyond Pesticides (www.beyondpesticides.org) will provide free training for municipalities who pilot organic management. Increasing Clean Pollinator Forage in the City Pollinators are hungry; they need pollen and nectar sources all season long. Our over 400 species of native bee- and all our other insect pollinators- also need places to live.