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2013 Pollinator Week WHEREAS, Pollination is a critical part of food crop production, biodiversity and our economy; and WHEREAS, U.S. agricultural production valued at tens of billions of dollars annually depends on pollinators, and includes Idaho's multi-million dollar alfalfa seed crop as well as flowers, apples, cherries, plums, pears, nuts, berries, pumpkins, squash, cucumbers, watermelon, cantaloupe, and more; and WHEREAS, Pollinators are critical for reproduction of many native plant species too, including wildflowers, trees, shrubs, seeds, and wild berries, which also support wildlife; and WHEREAS, Pollinators like bees, wasps, flies, beetles, birds, moths, butterflies, bats, and other small mammals are threatened by disease, parasites, pesticides, habitat fragmentation, and climate change; and WHEREAS, According to the USDA, an average of 30 percent of managed colonies of honey bees have died off each of the past six winters; and WHEREAS, The causes of so-called colony collapse disorder are not fully understood, but evidence suggests that several stressors and pathogens—possibly in combination—are implicated; and WHEREAS, The public may improve outcomes for pollinators through awareness and education, reduced use of pesticides, preserving open space, planting appropriate vegetation, and providing habitats with water and shelter; and WHEREAS, Informational resources include the Latah Soil and Water Conservation District, Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, Idaho Conservation Data Center, Idaho Fish and Game, NatureServe network, Palouse Land Trust, USDA, Washington State University, University of Idaho, and honey vendors at our own Farmers Market; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Nancy Chaney, Mayor for the City of Moscow, Idaho, do hereby proclaim the week of June 17 - 23, 2013 as Pollinator Week and I encourage residents to nurture habitats that promote the vitality of pollinators and restoration of their populations that support us in so many significant ways. DATED this 17th day of June, 2013 Nancy J. Chaney, Mayor Copy Copy Copy