CITY of ALBUQUERQUE
TWENTY FIFTH COUNCIL
COUNCIL BILL NO. R-23-127 ENACTMENT NO. ________________________
SPONSORED BY: Tammy Fiebelkorn
RESOLUTION
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To Support Pollinator Conservation Efforts And To Recommit To Bee City USA Standards (Fiebelkorn)
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TO SUPPORT POLLINATOR CONSERVATION EFFORTS AND TO RECOMMIT TO BEE CITY USA STANDARDS.
WHEREAS, almost all pollinators are insects that visit flowers to feed on nectar and/or pollen, with the major groups of pollinators being butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, wasps, and bees; and
WHEREAS, more than three-fourths of all native plants require pollination by an animal, most often an insect; and
WHEREAS, bees and other pollinators around the globe are experiencing dramatic declines due to a combination of habitat loss, use of pesticides, the spread of pests and diseases, and the effects of climate change; and
WHEREAS, the decline of pollinator communities threatens agricultural production, the maintenance of natural plant communities, and important services provided by those ecosystems, such as carbon cycling and flood and erosion control; and
WHEREAS, the goal of Bee City USA is to promote healthy, sustainable habitats and communities for bees and other pollinators; and
WHEREAS, the City Council accepted the designation and committed to the standards of Bee City USA by council resolution in 2016 (R-16-77) making Albuquerque the first Bee City USA (BCUSA) in the Southwest, and the City has since undertaken activities that promote the goals of BCUSA; and
WHEREAS, in order to enhance understanding among municipal staff and the public about the vital role that pollinators play, the ecosystem services that pollinators provide, and the role that each of us have in sustaining healthy pollinators and their habitats, the City of Albuquerque agrees to meet the commitments required of Bee City USA communities; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor committed to the National Wildlife Federation Mayor’s Monarch Pledge in 2022 to raise awareness and community support for the conservation of monarch butterflies and other pollinators; and
WHEREAS, the City is committed to complying with EPA standards and recommended best practices in the application of pesticides; and
WHEREAS, ideal pollinator-friendly habitat provides diverse and abundant nectar and pollen from plants blooming in succession; provides clean water for drinking, nest-building, cooling, diluting stored honey, and butterfly puddling; provides pesticide-free zones and best practices for pest management; and is comprised of mostly native plant species that are preferred by or are essential for native pollinators; and
WHEREAS, scientific research supports the benefits of restoring and reconnecting isolated patches of habitat through the creation of pollinator pathways connecting multiple features through permanent, high-quality, wildflower-rich habitats that provide nutrition and habitat for pollinators and help them disperse into new habitats; and
WHEREAS, communities have the opportunity to support bees and other pollinators on both public and private land through restoring, increasing, and enhancing native habitat for pollinators-including, but not limited to roadsides, medians, parks, and open spaces; and through appropriate and responsible use of pesticides; and
WHEREAS, supporting pollinators fosters environmental awareness and sustainability and increases interactions among community stewards such as Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, garden clubs, plant nurseries, farmers, commercial and backyard bee keepers, educators, conservation organizations, and other community groups; and
WHEREAS, the City supports the efforts of the ABQ Backyard Refuge Program, organized by the Friends of Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, to enhance wildlife habitat throughout the community; and recognizes that pockets of pollinator habitat can act as way stations for species to move across larger areas; and
WHEREAS, the City is developing a Pollinator Conservation Strategy that outlines objectives, identifies action items, and involves coordination between city departments.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL, THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE:
Section 1. That the City of Albuquerque reaffirms the designation and recommits to the standards of Bee City USA and designates the Parks and Recreation Department as the City’s BCUSA sponsor; Parks and Recreation Department shall designate a representative from that department to serve as the BCUSA liaison.
Section 2. That the City, through coordinated efforts of its departments, will increase plantings and maintenance of native plant species along roadsides and trails, and in roadway medians, parks, and open spaces, and generally strive to improve pollinator habitat.
Section 3. That the Parks and Recreation Department, ABQ BioPark, and Environmental Health Department will coordinate with other city departments, other entities, and stakeholders to conduct outreach and education efforts to enhance pollinator awareness, health, and habitat.
Section 4. That the City, through coordinated efforts of its departments, will encourage and participate in studies and research on the health of native pollinators and their habitats.
Section 5. That the City, through coordinated efforts of its departments, will develop a plan for mapping pollinator habitats throughout the city with the intention of identifying opportunities to create and enhance pollinator pathways.
Section 6. That the City will utilize integrated pest management techniques and best management practices that comply with industry standards set by agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, Centers for Disease Control, and American Mosquito Control Association; and will follow best practices related to pollinator conservation in creating Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management Plans.
Section 7. That the City will report annually to the City Council on community efforts that have been accomplished in the previous year to enhance pollinator awareness, health, and habitat.
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