Parks board recommends Bee City USA affiliation for Ridgefield, citing pollinator benefits
Summary
The Ridgefield Parks Board recommended that the City Council pursue a Bee City USA designation, a program the board said would formalize pollinator protections through habitat creation, education and integrated pest management; the board also heard support from the Garden Club and residents.
The Ridgefield Parks Board voted to recommend a Bee City USA resolution to the City Council after a staff presentation explaining the program’s goals and requirements.
Park manager Corey Crownhardt told the board Bee City USA (a program recognized by the Xerces Society) formally recognizes communities that support pollinator health through habitat creation, reduced pesticide use and public education. Crownhardt said the process would require designating a liaison, forming a pollinator committee (the proposed resolution designates the parks board to serve in that role), submitting an application and paying a $200 annual fee; the city must also host one annual education event and submit a yearly progress report to maintain certification.
Garden Club co‑president Judith Riel told the board the club “absolutely supports the resolution” and highlighted the club’s native-plant grants and past donations for public gardens. Resident Tevis Laspa urged the board to confirm staff capacity, saying the program will not succeed without parks staff support. Board members discussed integrated pest management and whether the city uses neonicotinoid pesticides; staff said they would follow up to provide that detail.
The board approved a motion recommending the Bee City USA resolution to council by voice vote.
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