Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution supports 2021 State Senate Bill 456, Allowing Municipalities to Regulate Pesticide Use for the Purpose of Protecting Pollinators. No appropriation is required.
Title
Supporting 2021 State Senate Bill 456 Allowing Municipalities to Regulate Pesticide Use for the Purpose of Protecting Pollinators
Body
WHEREAS, pollinator-friendly communities can benefit local and regional economies through healthier ecosystems, increased vegetable and fruit crop yields, and increased demand for pollinator-friendly plant materials from local nurseries and growers; and,
WHEREAS, the loss of pollinators, including honey bees, native bees, bats, birds, and butterflies, across the country has been severe over the past few decades; and,
WHEREAS, ideal pollinator-friendly habitat:
• Provides diverse and abundant nectar and pollen from plants blooming in succession throughout the growing season
• Provides water for drinking, nest-building, cooling, diluting stored honey, and butterfly puddling
• Provides undisturbed spaces (leaf and brush piles, un-mowed fields or field margins, fallen trees and other dead wood) for nesting and overwintering for wild pollinators
• Is pesticide-free or has pesticide use carried out with least ill effects on pollinators
• Is comprised of mostly, if not all, native species of annual and perennial forbs, grasses, vines, shrubs, and trees in landscapes because many wild pollinators prefer or depend on the native plants with which they co-adapted
• Includes, where possible, designated pollinator zones in public spaces with signage to educate the public and build awareness
• Provides for safe and humane removal of honey bees when required; and,
WHEREAS, Madison has been a certified Bee City since 2017; and,
WHEREAS, in 2020, the City of Madison reaffirmed its commitment to supporting pollinator health (RES-20-00412);
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Madison supports 2021 State Senate Bill 456 allowing municipalities to regulate pesticide use and encourages its expedient adoption.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Wisconsin State Senate, the State Assembly, and Governor Tony Evers.
Sources:
<https://beecityusa.org/current-bee-city-usa-affiliates/>
<https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2021/related/proposals/sb456.pdf>