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7 <br /> <br />3. Protecting Pollinators <br />Bees and other pollinators are integral to our food production system. Pollination ensures that <br />our trees and gardens will continue to produce fruits, nuts and vegetables. However, native bees <br />and honey bees are threatened due to habitat loss, pesticide use, pathogens and parasites. <br />Recent research suggests that there is a link between pesticides that contain neonicotinoids and <br />the die-off of plant pollinators, including honey bees, native bees, butterflies, moths and other <br />insects. Neonicotinoids are synthetic chemical insecticides that are similar in structure and action <br />to nicotine, a naturally occurring plant compound. <br />The Environmental Quality Committee has long recommended the use of native plants to <br />preserve and protect our water system. That recommendation is one of the tenants of the Green <br />Community Awards in which the City of Shoreview recognize homeowners for taking steps to <br />lessen their environmental impact. <br />At the joint City Council and EQC meeting in 2015, and again in 2017, Council Members and <br />City staff noted that the City is already undertaking some pollinator friendly practices such as <br />planting native plants around City Hall and the Community Center. While EQC members noticed <br />the plantings, we knew that members of the public were not aware of the reasons for using native <br />plants. <br />We feel that Shoreview should call more attention to its beneficial actions. Not only is this a <br />source of civic pride, but it’s an opportunity to educate the public. So it is consistent with <br />Shoreview’s policies and practices that the City strive to become a Pollinator Friendly City by <br />first adopting a Pollinator-Friendly City resolution (see Appendix A) as have other cities such as <br />Maplewood, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Champlin and Shorewood. <br />We also recommend Shoreview develop, adopt, encourage and engage in practices that protect <br />pollinators. <br />Such practices include: <br /> Not using pesticides that include neonicotinoids <br /> Planting flowers favorable to bees and other pollinators <br /> Educating residents on the importance of creating and maintaining a pollinator-friendly <br />habitat <br /> <br />