item 8-d - Resolution of Approval – Adopt Best Management Practices for Roadsides and Utility Rights-of-Way that Benefit Pollinators and Native Plants in Orange County, NC

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RES-2018-08S Attachment 1 3 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION Adopt Best Management Practices for Roadsides and Utility Rights-of-Way that Benefit Pollinators and Native Plants in Orange 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 orchid; 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 11th day of December, 2018. Penny Rich, Chair Orange County Board of Commissioners Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board