SUBJECT:
Title
2026 Pollinator Proclamation; Sponsored by Council Member Anil Pesaramelli and Council Member Brian O’Connor
Department
DEPARTMENT: Environmental Services
Sustainability Advisory Board
Presenter
PRESENTER(S): Eryka Thorley, Sustainability Division Manager
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Time
TIME ESTIMATE: 0 minutes
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For time estimate: please put 0 for Consent items.
Policy
POLICY ISSUES:
The Town Council may approve proclamations supporting chosen issues.
Recommendation
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the proclamation
Body
SUMMARY/KEY POINTS
• The decline of pollinator populations is an urgent issue affecting the health of natural ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Nearly 20% of roughly 1,000 native bee species in Colorado face extinction along with other species such as moths, butterflies, and other insects.
• As the Erie community grows, the Town is well positioned to adopt policies and practices that support biodiversity and pollinator protection through thoughtful management of parks, public landscapes, and other public lands.
BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
Habitat loss in Erie affects pollinators and biodiversity within our community. Erie benefits from adopting a strong pollinator protection strategy that protects native pollinators by restoring and connecting their habitats throughout Erie and beyond. This proclamation supports actions necessary for healthy and sustainable pollinators alongside community-driven actions to protect vulnerable native pollinators.
The Sustainability Advisory Board, in conjunction with the Sustainability Division and Tree Advisory Board, is pursuing ways that community-based engagement can increase awareness of the vital role pollinators play in our environment. There are several initiatives in process including a comprehensive map of pollinator-friendly greenscapes, engaging residents to add their private gardens and greenscapes to a map to identify and support pollinator corridor identification and expansion across Erie. The Boards are also working to survey existing habitats to establish baseline data to then intentionally and systematically expand pollinators corridors where any gaps exist, collaborating with neighbors and organizations such as Friends of Coal Creek and the Butterfly Pavilion.
By establishing frameworks for guidelines and consistency, allocating resources, creating accountability structures and influencing behavior, Erie seeks to drive positive change in the community and encourage residents to learn more about native pollinators. Residents can learn more about their role in sustaining a healthy ecosystem in Erie, as well as establishing beautiful landscapes across our community. Staff and both the Sustainability and Tree Advisory Boards will continue seeking partnerships, grants, and other funding opportunities to encourage community-led habitat creation and education initiatives.
priorities
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attachments
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Proclamation