Pollinator Protection Opportunities

At the conclusion of the April 26, 2016 City Council Work Session, the topic of a program known as Mayors for Monarchs was raised and Staff was asked to add this item to a future Work Session Agenda.  The purpose of this case is to provide some background information on the Mayors for Monarchs program (and other similar initiatives aimed at pollinators in general), outline activities that the City is already doing and where we might have room for improvement.  

The Mayors for Monarchs program (and other similar initiatives such as Humming for Bees), strives to engage and encourage both local municipalities and their residents to take actions that will improve and/or establish necessary habitat for butterflies, honeybees and other pollinators.  Establishment of pollinator friendly practices is obviously beneficial for pollinators (butterflies, honeybees, and others) but would also support other goals of the City, such as water conservation and water quality, as well as fit within the Smart, Citizen Focused Government imperative of the Strategic Action Plan.  In general terms, a sustainable landscape with native plants and grasses, a key for pollinator habitat, requires fewer inputs such as irrigation, pesticides, and fertilizers, compared to a more traditional lawn of turf grass.  The reduced water inputs (irrigation) would lessen the demand on groundwater and the reduced need for pesticides and fertilizers would benefit water quality in storm water ponds, lakes, and wetlands. 
  
The City has taken steps to eliminate obstacles for a property owner desiring to install a native landscape, which gets at the heart of the various pollinator friendly programs.  This includes an Ordinance Amendment to Section 30-3 of City Code to allow for the use of acceptable prairie restoration materials as well as having information in the Water Conservation Tool Box, found on the City's website, which highlights appropriate native plants for Anoka County.

While the City has eliminated the regulatory barrier(s) to establishing pollinator friendly landscapes, there has admittedly been a lack of education and promotion of benefits of this type of landscape.  Promoting this concept can be accomplished through the newsletter, website, and community gatherings such as The Draw Summer Concert Series and Happy Days.  Additionally, there are also potential opportunities to modify current maintenance practices, such as reducing the size of mowed areas within parks.  That alone does not necessarily create pollinator friendly habitat, nor does it constitute an acceptable means of establishing a native landscape.  However, converting some of these under utilized areas to more sustainable and pollinator friendly landscapes could reduce the need for mowing, irrigation, fertilizers, and herbicides.

On a broader and more long-term scale, it would seem appropriate to have greater emphasis on pollinator friendly practices incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan.  With the update to the Comprehensive Plan beginning in earnest this year, it is an ideal time to consider this concept, whether the City opts to participate in a formalized, yet voluntarily, program of some sort.

Both the Environmental Policy Board and the Parks and Recreation Commission could have a role in this type of initiative. The Environmental Policy Board's Statement of Purpose identifies, among other things, Education, the Comprehensive Plan Update, and Emerging Issues as their focus areas. Also, within City Code, the Parks and Recreation Commission has a clear role in reviewing and recommending programs that will help conserve the environment and stimulate positive public interest in natural resources.  If the City Council is so inclined, it seems that this type of program or initiative warrants consideration of both of these advisory boards as well.

15-20 minutes

This case is being handled as part of Staff's regular duties.

Community Development (City Planner)

Provide direction to City Staff whether to forward the program to the Environmental Policy Board and/or Parks and Recreation Commission for further analysis and recommendations.