RESOLUTION DESIGNATING GREENWICH “A POLLINATOR FRIENDLY COMMUNITY”
WHEREAS, the Greenwich Board of Selectmen recognizes that bees and other pollinators are integral to a healthy and resilient ecosystem and a wide diversity of essential foods for human and wildlife consumption; and
WHEREAS, pollinator populations are in decline due to habitat loss, land development, land maintenance practices, pesticide use, pathogens and parasites; and
WHEREAS, alternative land management practices to mowed lawn are available that dramatically increase pollinator forage; and
WHEREAS, native plantings that provide high-quality forage for pollinators also provide benefits related to water quality treatment, stormwater management, carbon sequestration, noise and pollution reduction, erosion prevention and soil enhancement; and
WHEREAS, application of certain pesticides such as neonicotinoids and systemic herbicides that have unintended consequences against beneficial insects such as bees and other pollinators; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Selectman finds it is in the public interest and consistent with adopted Town policy for the Town to demonstrate its commitment to a safe and healthy community environment for people and pollinators.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Greenwich Board of Selectmen, that the Town of Greenwich is hereby declared a Pollinator-Friendly Community. As a Pollinator-Friendly Community, the Town will:
• promote healthy environments for pollinators including quality sources of nectar and pollen, clean water and habitat through existing programs and new opportunities; and
• pursue planting more pollinator forage in areas of town parks that currently exist as mowed turf grass; and
• consider adding natural areas with beneficial pollinator-friendly plants when designing new and renovated facilities; and
• minimize use of systemic pesticides, with emphasis on avoiding use of pesticides from the neonicotinoid family, on Town property to the extent practicable; and
• undertake best efforts to purchase plants that have not been pre-treated with pesticides; and
• undertake best efforts to utilize pollinator plantings as educational spaces; and
• communicate to Town residents, partner organizations, and businesses the importance of creating and maintaining a pollinator-friendly habitat; and
• maintain a list of native and naturalized pollinator-friendly plants for reference by the community and encourage private developers and landowners to incorporate pollinator-friendly plantings into required landscaping; and
• annually provide the Conservation Commission with an update on steps taken to create a more Pollinator-Friendly Greenwich.
THIS RESOLUTION IS ADOPTED BY THE GREENWICH BOARD OF SELECTMEN ON April 22, 2021.
