HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES-2018-085 Resolution to Adopt Best Management Practices for Pollinators RES - 2018 - 085
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION
Adopt Best Management Practices for Roadsides and Utility Rights - ofmWay that
Benefit Pollinators and Native Plants in ® range County , NC
WHEREAS , in a 2012 resolution the BOCC committed " to the conservation of roadside
wildflowers along the roadways of Orange County ; " and
WHEREAS , the roadsides and utility rights - of-way of Orange County support numerous plant
species that only occur in these open habitats such as the locally rare Indian paintbrush and
yellow-fringed orchids and
WHEREAS , the vegetation in roadsides and utility rights - of-way are an important resource for
maintaining biodiversity in native pollinators such as wild bees ; and
WHEREAS , many scientific studies support the conclusion that wild pollinator biodiversity
enhances agricultural productivity ; and
WHEREAS , improper vegetation management , such as poorly timed or indiscriminate use of
herbicides may harm some rare plant species , reduce pollinator and wildlife habitat , and detract
from the aesthetic value of our colorful and extraordinary roadsides ; and
WHEREAS , best practices for maintaining habitat and safe roads are available such as the
" Roadside Best Management Practices that Benefit Pollinators " publication by the Federal
Highway Administration and Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation ;
NOW , THEREFORE. BE IT RESOLVED , that the Orange County Board of Commissioners
recommend that all roadsides and rights - of-way be managed using best practices that benefit
native pollinators and native wildflowers , such as minimizing the use of herbicides , and do
hereby authorize the Commission for the Environment and County staff to work with the North
Carolina Botanical Garden to encourage the NC Department of Transportation , utility
companies , and property owners to plan , implement , and study such roadside and rights - of-way
management practices .
This the 18th day of December , 2018 .
Penny Rich , Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
Donna Baker , Clerk to the Board