Title
BEE CITY USA(r) - For the purpose of accepting the designation and committing to the standards of BEE CITY USA.
Body
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
City of Annapolis
Resolution 16-16
Introduced by: Mayor Pantelides
Referred to
Environmental Matters Committee
A RESOLUTION concerning
BEE CITY USA(r)
FOR the purpose of accepting the designation and committing to the standards of BEE CITY USA.
WHEREAS, the goal of BEE CITY USA is to promote healthy, sustainable habitats and communities for bees and other pollinators; and
WHEREAS, thanks to the tremendous diversity of wild native bees, along with the honey bees that were brought here from Europe in the 1700s, we have very diverse dietary choices rich in fruits, nuts and vegetables: "One in every three bites of food we eat is courtesy of insect pollination. Even our meat and milk trace back to insects that pollinate the alfalfa and other feed for beef cattle and cows" (Mace Vaughan, Pollinator Program Director for the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation); and
WHEREAS, bees and other pollinators around the globe have experienced dramatic declines due to a combination of habitat loss, use of pesticides, and the spread of pests and diseases, with grave implications for the future health of flora and fauna; and
WHEREAS, communities have the opportunity to support bees and other pollinators on both public and private land; and
WHEREAS, supporting pollinators fosters environmental awareness and sustainability, and increases interactions among community stewards such as commercial and backyard beekeepers, farmers, children, educators, Master Naturalists, Master Gardeners, plant nurseries, municipalities, neighborhoods, and garden suppliers and clubs; and
WHEREAS, the economic benefits of (native and honey) bee-friendliness are:
? Healthy ecosystems--insect pollinators are required for pollination and reproduction of about 85% of flowering plants globally, plants that: 1) are vital for clean air and water; ...
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