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N:\Departments\Community Development\Planning\Case Files\OA\OA 18-99 Beekeeping\6-Exhibits\Beekeeping <br />memo.docx <br /> <br />Memorandum <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />To: Planning Department <br /> <br />From: Amanda Bednar, Environmental Coordinator <br /> <br />Date: February 15, 2018 <br /> <br />Subject: Keeping of bees and the benefits of pollinators <br />_______________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br />The City of Elk River continues to be a leader in sustainability practices including native <br />plantings, greenspace and natural resources management. Many residents continue to do <br />their part to make sustainable choices including the food they purchase and consume. In <br />addition to the keeping of chickens, many residents have also expressed interest in bees. <br />Bees provide local food via honey production and also play a very valuable role in the <br />pollination process. <br /> <br />Bees are a key part of the agriculture production and pollination of fruits, vegetables, nuts <br />and flowers. Natural habitat disruption, pesticide use and numerous bee diseases have <br />significantly impacted honey bee populations. This honey bee crisis is referred to as Colony <br />Collapse Disorder. Providing bee flowers and nesting habitat is incredibly beneficial to bee <br />populations. Bee keeping has become quite popular and is included in the GreenStep Cities <br />Best Practices for city sustainability. <br /> <br />Beekeeping is not an easy task and can be quite costly. However the benefits that honey bees <br />can provide to individual residents and our pollinator community at large is significant. <br />There is significant benefit to our local community in increasing the bee population.