Res 2025-039 designating San Marcos, Texas as a Bee City USA® affiliate

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RESOLUTION NO. 2025-39R A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS, TEXAS DESIGNATING SAN MARCOS, TEXAS AS A BEE CITY USA® AFFILIATE; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, OR HER DESIGNEE, TO EXECUTE ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION ON BEHALF OF THE CITY;AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the mission of BEE CITY USA is to galvanize communities to sustain pollinators,responsible for the reproduction of almost 90%of the world's flowering plant species, by providing them with healthy habitat, rich in a variety of native plants and free to nearly free of pesticides; and WHEREAS, thanks to the more than 3,600 species of native bees in the United States, along with introduced honey bees, we have very diverse dietary choices rich in fruits, nuts, and vegetables; and WHEREAS, bees and other pollinators have experienced population declines due to a combination of habitat loss, poor nutrition, pesticides (including insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides),parasites, diseases, and climate change; and 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 growers; and WHEREAS, ideal pollinator-friendly habitat (A) is comprised of mostly native wildflowers, grasses,vines, shrubs, and trees blooming in succession throughout the growing season to provide diverse and abundant nectar and pollen, since many wild pollinators prefer or depend on the native plants with which they co-adapted; (B) is free to nearly free of pesticides, as many pesticides can harm pollinators and/or their habitat; (C) comprises undisturbed spaces (leaf and brush piles, unmown fields or field margins, fallen trees and other dead wood) for nesting and overwintering; and (D) provides connectivity between habitat areas to support pollinator movement and resilience; and WHEREAS, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a long-term approach to maintaining healthy landscapes and facilities that minimizes risks to people and the environment by:identifying and removing the causes of pest problems rather than only attacking the symptoms (the pests); employing pests' natural enemies along with cultural, mechanical, and physical controls when prevention is not enough; and using pesticides only when no other method is feasible or effective; and WHEREAS, supporting pollinators fosters broad-based community engagement in environmental awareness and sustainability; and