Title
Resolution to Support Pollinator Habitat in Ann Arbor
Body
Whereas, The Environmental Commission and City Council recognize that bees and other pollinators are integral to pollination of a wide diversity of native vegetation and food crops;
Whereas, Pollinator populations and water resources are threatened due to habitat loss, pathogens, parasites, and widespread use of pesticides, including neonicotinoids and other toxic chemicals;
Whereas, The City encourages Integrated Pest Management practices for both City-owned and private properties;
Whereas, Research suggests that bees and other pollinators make use of less-intensively maintained lawn spaces;
Whereas, Reduced frequency of mowing has been shown to have direct and indirect benefits to pollinator species, including: availability of more floral resources, less production of emissions from fossil fuel powered equipment, reduced noise from powered equipment, reduced compaction of soil, and associated improved stormwater infiltration;
Whereas, Research suggests that pollinators and other invertebrates rely on fallen leaves and on hollow stems of native plants for cover and insulation from the elements during winter months;
Whereas, Pollinators and floral resources have a positive relationship, in which an increase in pollinator populations can increase the amount of flora and food, and vice versa; and
Whereas, The Environmental Commission finds it is in the public interest and consistent with adopted City policy for the City to demonstrate its commitment to a safe and healthy community environment through the implementation of initiatives that help increase the pollinator population and protect water resources; and
Whereas, The Environmental Commission approved a Resolution to Support Pollinator Habitat at its March 23, 2023 meeting;
RESOLVED, That City Council directs the City Administrator to encourage property owners to reduce mowing frequency and to maintain lawn heights between 6 and 12 inches on their properties, particularly during the spring months;
RESOLVED, That City Council directs the City Administrator to encourage property owners to reduce raking and clean-up of leaves on their properties during the fall months, while preventing leaf build-up in roadways; and
RESOLVED, That City Council directs the City Administrator to encourage property owners to increase diverse native plantings on their properties;
RESOLVED, City Council directs the City Administrator to encourage property owners to follow Integrated Pest Management practices as outlined on www.a2gov.org/ipm <http://www.a2gov.org/ipm>;
RESOLVED, City Council directs the City Administrator to prepare a communication plan to disseminate educational materials within the Ann Arbor community to provide information in support of pollinator habitat. The City Administrator shall develop these materials with input from the Pollinators Work Group of the Environmental Commission, and shall communicate best practices and guidance in supporting pollinator habitat on private property, as well as the benefits of: the reduced frequency of lawn mowing, increases in the area of floral resources available in yards, reductions in the area of mowed turf grass, and moderation in fall cleanup of leaves and other vegetation, among other pollinator-supporting strategies; and
RESOLVED, That vegetation on private property must not intrude into the right of way in such a manner as to create a hazard for pedestrians and others using the sidewalk, and must comply with Ann Arbor City Code, Chapter 40, Section 3:15 (Lawn extension and city right-of-way), 3:16 (Vegetation on private property).
Sponsored by: Councilmembers Akmon and Disch