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RE5-2018-085 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> RESOLUTION <br /> Adopt Best Management Practices for Roadsides and Utility Rights-of-Way that <br /> Benefit Pollinators and Native Plants in Orange County, NC <br /> WHEREAS, in a 2012 resolution the BOCC committed "to the conservation of roadside <br /> wildflowers along the roadways of Orange County;" and <br /> WHEREAS, the roadsides and utility rights-of-way of Orange County support numerous <br /> plant species that only occur in these open habitats such as the locally rare Indian <br /> paintbrush and yellow-fringed orchid; and <br /> WHEREAS, the vegetation in roadsides and utility rights-of-way are an important <br /> resource for maintaining biodiversity in native pollinators such as wild bees; and <br /> WHEREAS, many scientific studies support the conclusion that wild pollinator <br /> biodiversity enhances agricultural productivity; and <br /> WHEREAS, improper vegetation management, such as poorly timed or indiscriminate <br /> use of herbicides may harm some rare plant species, reduce pollinator and wildlife <br /> habitat, and detract from the aesthetic value of our colorful and extraordinary roadsides; <br /> and <br /> WHEREAS, best practices for maintaining habitat and safe roads are available such as <br /> the "Roadside Best Management Practices that Benefit Pollinators" publication by the <br /> Federal Highway Administration and Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation; <br /> NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of <br /> Commissioners recommend that all roadsides and rights-of-way be managed using best <br /> practices that benefit native pollinators and native wildflowers, such as minimizing the <br /> use of herbicides, and do hereby authorize the Commission for the Environment and <br /> County staff to work with the North Carolina Botanical Garden to encourage the NC <br /> Department of Transportation, utility companies, and property owners to plan, <br /> implement, and study such roadside and rights-of-way anagement practices. <br /> This the 11t"' day of December, 2018. <br /> l Pe ich, C it <br /> 7; ❑r ge an <br /> ty oard of Commissioners <br /> Don a Baker, Clerk to the Board <br />