CITY OF SEATTLE
RESOLUTION _________________
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A RESOLUTION regarding certification of The City of Seattle as a Bee City.
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WHEREAS, the goal of Bee City USA is to promote healthy, sustainable habitats and communities for bees and other pollinators; and
WHEREAS, thanks to our diversity of wild native bees, along with honey bees brought here from Europe in the 1700s, the United States enjoys diverse dietary choices rich in fruits, nuts, and vegetables; 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, The City of Seattle (City) and cities across the globe are growing more dense, highlighting the critical role of urban agriculture in a healthy food system while increasing opportunities for cities and their residents to support bees and other pollinators on both public and private land; and
WHEREAS, habitat conservation and restoration, innovative land use, research, and other strategies can help maintain a diverse and abundant community of pollinators; and
WHEREAS, supporting pollinators fosters community among city residents, and increases interactions among urban farmers, gardeners, educators, beekeepers, naturalists, and organizations; and
WHEREAS, the economic benefits of pro-pollinator programs include increased floral diversity, increased crop yields, reduced need for pesticides and costs associated with them, and increased demand for native plant materials from local growers and nurseries; and
WHEREAS, responding to scientific concern over the impact of neonicotinoids on pollinators, the City Council recently passed a resolution banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides by the City, supporting a national moratorium on neonicotinoids, and urging retailers operating within the city to ensure no plants, seeds, or products co...
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