HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 25-014RESOLUTION 25-014
A RESOLUTION OF BROOKINGS, SOUTH DAKOTA CITY COUNCIL
DESIGNATING BROOKINGS, SOUTH DAKOTA AS A BEE CITY USA® AFFILIATE.
WHEREAS, the mission of BEE CITY USA is to galvanize communities to sustain
pollinators, responsible for the reproduction of almost 90% of the world's flowering plant
species, by providing them with healthy habitat, rich in a variety of native plants and free
to nearly free of pesticides; and
WHEREAS, thanks to the more than 3,600 species of native bees in the United States,
along with introduced honey bees, we have very diverse dietary choices rich in fruits,
nuts, and vegetables; and
WHEREAS, bees and other pollinators have experienced population declines due to a
combination of habitat loss, poor nutrition, pesticides (including insecticides, fungicides,
and herbicides), parasites, diseases, and climate change; and
WHEREAS, pollinator -friendly communities can benefit local and regional economies
through healthier ecosystems, increased vegetable and fruit crop yields, and increased
demand for pollinator -friendly plant materials from local growers; and
WHEREAS, ideal pollinator -friendly habitat (A) is comprised of mostly native
wildflowers, grasses, vines, shrubs, and trees blooming in succession throughout the
growing season to provide diverse and abundant nectar and pollen, since many wild
pollinators prefer or depend on the native plants with which they co -adapted; (B) is free
to nearly free of pesticides, as many pesticides can harm pollinators and/or their habitat;
(C) comprises undisturbed spaces (leaf and brush piles, unmown fields or field margins,
fallen trees and other dead wood) for nesting and overwintering; and (D) provides
connectivity between habitat areas to support pollinator movement and resilience; and
WHEREAS, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a long-term approach to maintaining
healthy landscapes and facilities that minimizes risks to people and the environment by:
identifying and removing the causes of pest problems rather than only attacking the
symptoms (the pests); employing pests' natural enemies along with cultural,
mechanical, and physical controls when prevention is not enough; and using pesticides
only when no other method is feasible or effective; and
WHEREAS, supporting pollinators fosters broad-based community engagement in
environmental awareness and sustainability; and
WHEREAS, Brookings, South Dakota should be certified a BEE CITY USA community
because of the City's commitment to sustainability as showcased through the extensive
annual plantings across town that support pollinators, commitment to expanding upon
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the four pollinator sites currently in existence, and more than forty acres of City owned
no -mow areas; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED in order to enhance understanding among local
government staff and the public about the vital role pollinators play and what each of us
can do to sustain them, Brookings, South Dakota chooses to support and encourage
healthy pollinator habitat creation and enhancement, resolving as follows:
1. The City of Brookings Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department is hereby
designated as the BEE CITY USA sponsor.
2. The Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Director is designated as the BEE CITY
USA Liaison.
3. Facilitation of Brookings, South Dakota's BEE CITY USA program is assigned to
the City of Brookings Brookings Sustainability Council.
4. The City of Brookings Brookings Sustainability Council is authorized to and shall:
a. Celebration: Host or co -host at least one educational event or pollinator
habitat planting or restoration each year to showcase Brookings, South
Dakota's commitment to raising awareness of pollinator conservation and
expanding pollinator health and habitat.
b. Publicity & Information: Install and maintain at least one authorized BEE
CITY USA street sign in a prominent location, and create and maintain a
webpage on the Brookings, South Dakota's website which includes, at
minimum a copy of this resolution and links to the national BEE CITY USA
website; contact information for your BEE CITY USA Liaison and
Committee; reports of the pollinator -friendly activities the community has
accomplished the previous year(s); and your recommended native plant
species list and integrated pest management plan.
c. Habitat: Develop and implement a program to create or expand pollinator -
friendly habitat on public and private land, which includes, but is not
limited to identifying and inventorying Brookings' real property that can be
enhanced with pollinator -friendly plantings; creating a recommended
locally native plant list to include wildflowers, grasses, vines, shrubs, and
trees and a list of local suppliers for those species; and, tracking (by
square footage and/or acreage) annual area of pollinator habitat created
or enhanced.
d. Pollinator -Friendly Pest Management: Create and adopt an integrated
pest management (IPM) plan designed to prevent pest problems, reduce
pesticide use, and expand the use of non -chemical pest management
methods.
e. Policy & Plans: Establish an initiative through the City of Brookings's
Strategic Plan which acknowledges and commits the City of Brookings to
the BEE CITY USA designation and review the Strategic Plan and other
relevant documents to consider improvements to pest management
policies and practices as they relate to pollinator conservation, identify
appropriate locations for pollinator -friendly plantings, and consider other
appropriate measures.
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Renewal: After completing the first calendar year as a BEE CITY USA
affiliate, each February, apply for renewal of Brookings, South Dakota's
BEE CITY USA designation following the format provided by BEE CITY
USA, including a report of the previous year's BEE CITY USA activities,
and paying the renewal fee based Brookings, South Dakota's population.
Passed and Approved this 11f" day of February, 2025.
ATTEST:
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...,o#ter, City Clerk
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