HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 08/13/2024 - Memorandum from Dean Klingner re: Pollinator Certification Follow UpCommunity Services
215 North Mason Street
Third Floor
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970-221-6263
fcgov.com/communityservices
CC: Julia Feder, Natural Areas
MEMORANDUM
Date: July 29, 2024
To: Mayor and City Councilmembers
Through: Kelly DiMartino, City Manager
Tyler Marr, Deputy City Manager
From: Dean Klingner, Director, Community Services
Subject: Pollinator Certification Follow Up
BOTTOM LINE
City Council has asked City Staff for information about pollinator-friendly certifications,
designations and policies. In April, Staff committed to summarizing options by July. This memo
includes:
• A summary of current programs, policies, initiatives and projects
• Summary of research findings for external certifications
• Recommendations for next steps for City staff to continue and grow pollinator-friendly
practices
• Outline of a path to support a partner organization for pursuit of a city-wide designation
In support of the City’s commitment to conserve and enhance natural resources throughout the
community, many citywide initiatives support healthy pollinator habitat and populations,
alongside broader strategies that build habitat, support wildlife, and advance resource
conservation.
Staff was also asked to evaluate the concept of a citywide Pollinator-Friendly Policy. The staff
evaluation of different organizational “Pollinator Policies” typically enacted by City Council’s or
Boards concluded that there would be very little additional value beyond the existing policies in
place so this action is not recommended. Our current combination of policies, programs and
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initiatives provides similar or better benefits when compared to organizations with a general
Pollinator-friendly policy.
Evaluating pollinator habitat guidelines is one “unifying” principle to measure the outcome of this
work. Our research also found a model for certifying wildlife habitat, and we have included that
information as well.
SUMMARY OF EXISTING PROGRAMS, POLICIES AND INITIATIVES
The Gardens on Spring Creek
The Gardens on Spring Creek showcases pollinator-friendly gardening practices. It features
extensive plantings designed to attract and support pollinators and provides diverse programs
that highlight pollinators and support the public to create similar habitats in their own gardens.
Natural Areas
The Natural Areas program focuses on preserving and restoring natural habitats that support
diverse pollinator populations. Native grasslands, riparian areas, and wetlands within these
areas provide critical habitats for pollinators. Restoration and monitoring inform conservation
strategies to adaptively manage for pollinator diversity and abundance. Natural Areas supports
public-private partnerships through conservation easements and application of enhancement
funds to support habitat building efforts on private lands.
Nature in the City
Nature in the City Grant program supports residents to create pollinator-friendly habitats. Grants
provide monetary support and resources to project teams. Additionally, as part of a cross-City
team, Nature in the City developed the City of Fort Collins Design Guide to provide hands-on
instruction for residents seeking to enhance the habitat surrounding their home.
Parks and Streetscape Plantings
The City Parks Department actively promotes pollinator habitats across city parks and
streetscape corridors such as Flourishing FoCo, the Downtown Flower Project. Across the City,
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integrated pest management practices are implemented to minimize the use of pesticides
harmful to pollinators.
Xeriscape Incentive Program
The Fort Collins Utilities Xeriscape Incentive Program promotes water-efficient landscaping and
encourages planting native, drought-tolerant plants that attract pollinators. Participants in this
program receive rebates and guidance on designing landscapes that are water-wise and
beneficial to local pollinator populations.
Other Citywide Collaboration and Outreach
The City’s Land Use Code and development review process support this community priority by
identifying Natural Habitat Buffer Zones that promote natural habitats, protect sensitive natural
habitats and features, and maintain and improve wildlife movement corridors. Additionally,
resources such as the City’s Recommended Plant List provide information about what native
plants are available, attractive to wildlife including pollinators, and how to source native plants.
These collaborations with community partners, including nonprofits, Colorado State University,
and local businesses such as plant nurseries, strengthen pollinator and habitat conservation
work across the community.
POLLINATOR CERTFICATION AND RECOGNITION OPPORTUNITIES
A review of more than a dozen regional and national pollinator certification programs identified
four programs for further exploration. Selected programs feature regional relationships, provide
national notoriety, and align with current City of Fort Collins’ efforts.
1. Pollinator District
Overview: A new certification from the Butterfly Pavilion designed to support pollinator habitat
conservation during community development. Three projects certified, in total, include Manitou
Springs, the I-76 Colorado Pollinator Highway, and Baseline, a mixed-use development in
Broomfield, CO.
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Pros: Focuses on creating development-scale, pollinator habitat; aligns with goals and
objectives outlined in several City planning efforts including City Plan and Nature in the City.
The Butterfly Pavilion provides comprehensive resources and guidance on habitat restoration
and management through consultation with development project teams.
Considerations: Certification process can be costly and involves receiving consultation
services from Butterfly Pavilion staff; City staff already have much of this expertise and capacity.
Costs: Variable dependent on project, on average ~$50,000, plus staff time.
Recommendation: This is a great tool for future development projects, such as Metro Districts,
and internal city projects, such as new parks. Staff will share information and resources via the
cross-department Vegetation Team for further dissemination to community groups. No further
action recommended.
2. Bee City, USA
Overview: This initiative of the Xerces Society provides a framework for communities to
conserve native pollinators by increasing the abundance of native plants, providing nest sites,
and reducing pesticide use. Recognizes more than 1,600 projects covering 13,000 acres. This
includes Colorado State University’s Bee Campus, USA designation which could be expanded
to encompass community-wide efforts.
Pros: The Xerces Society provides resources, training opportunities and support from experts,
engagement tools, and national recognition of conservation work. This recognition complements
the Bird City designation awarded to Fort Collins in 2022.
Consideration: The designation requires a community group to form and implement.
Costs: $500/year
Recommendation: Reach out to partner groups such as Colorado State University’s Bee
Campus committee and League of Women Voters and recommend they form the committee
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and take required actions. City Council can pass a resolution of support and the City can
support annual costs.
3. Community Wildlife Habitat
Overview: This National Wildlife Federation (NWF) certification provides a comprehensive
framework for restoring habitat and engaging community members to support wildlife, including
but not specifically pollinators. NWF partners with more than 200 municipalities and
communities, covering over 1.5 million acres of urban and suburban habitat. Regional
participants include the City and County of Denver, in collaboration with many organizations
including Denver Botanic Garden, Denver Zoo, Denver Audubon, Denver Public Schools, and
Denver Water. Centerra HOA in Loveland also received this designation.
Pros: NWF is a highly reputable and recognized leader in conservation work across the United
States. The designation provides a comprehensive certification process tailored to diverse
habitats within a city’s landscape.
Considerations: The scope of this certification recognizes broad habitat building work across
many species, not just pollinators. It most closely aligns with Natural Areas’ work to enhance
ecological condition and habitat across the region, while also supporting citywide priorities to
integrate natural spaces across the community.
Costs: $100, one-time registration fee, plus $20 fee for each project pursuing certification within
the community, with potential ongoing expenses for habitat maintenance to ensure the
community fulfills the annual re-certification goals.
Recommendation: Connect with City and County of Denver Parks and Recreation Department
to determine how this framework and a closer partnership with the National Wildlife Federation
could advance Nature in the City and other city priorities.
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4. Pollinator Stewardship Certification
Overview: This certification recognizes the completion of a training course hosted by the
Pollinator Partnership. The course consists of a 9-part virtual training module and short
assessment, one habitat creation action, and one outreach or education action.
Pros: Pollinator Partnership is a science-driven organization with recognition for managing
programs such as Pollinator Week and the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign.
Considerations: While the certification can be customized for organizations, it is designed for
individuals. Pollinator Partnership’s work has primarily focused on midwestern states and
habitats.
Costs: To be determined based on customized coursework for organizational certification, in
addition to project and outreach implementation.
Recommendation: No further action needed.
NEXT STEPS
1. Staff will consolidate background information and certification frameworks researched for
this memo. This information will be shared with appropriate staff and posted on related
City webpages.
2. Staff will connect with community partners including Colorado State University’s Bee
Campus, USA committee and other interested groups such as the League of Women
Voters to share information and encourage a community-wide group to take action for
Fort Collins to become a Bee City, USA project.
3. Staff will engage with Denver City and County Parks and Recreation and National
Wildlife Federation to learn more about the municipal process for obtaining the
Community Wildlife Habitat designation.
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