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The City of Phoenix is looking for citizens who would enjoy serving as a member of the Bee
City USA Subcommittee. The Bee City USA Subcommittee works closely with the Public Works
staff and Parks and Greenway Commission to improve the community through pollinator
education and creating sustainable habitats for pollinators, which are vital to feeding the
planet, in the City of Phoenix.
Bee City USA Subcommittee consists of five members who are not elected officials or
employees of the City, each appointed to four-year terms. The proper function of Bee City
USA Subcommittee DEPENDS on a reliable, engaged membership. This typically requires
approximately 5-10 hours a month to attend one regular meeting on the third Thursday each
month and the preparation required for those meetings. There may be times when that
commitment involves an additional meeting.
Bee City USA certification is both an honor and a responsibility. Launched in 2012, the Bee
City USA program endorses a set of commitments, defined in a resolution, for creating
sustainable habitats for pollinators, which are vital to feeding the planet. Cities, towns and
communities across America are invited to make these commitments and become certified as
a Bee City USA affiliate.
In 2006 when honey bee colonies started disappearing, later dubbed “Colony Collapse
Disorder,” beekeepers and non-beekeepers alike became very concerned. After all, one in
every three bites of food we eat is courtesy of insect pollination. Equally important, 85% of
flowering plants and trees rely on pollinators for the survival of their species. While less is
known about native bees and other pollinators, we do know that entire species are
disappearing at alarming rates as they battle most of the same enemies as honey bees--loss of
habitat essential for food and shelter, inappropriate pesticide use, diseases, and parasites.
If you would like more information about the Bee City USA Subcommittee, please contact
Theresa Syphers at 541-535-2226 or theresa.syphers@phoenixoregon.gov.
Please return this application to the City Recorder, 112 W. 2
nd
St., P. O. Box 330, Phoenix, OR
97535 or bonnie.pickett@phoenixoregon.gov
Bee City USA Subcommittee Application
112 W. 2
nd
St. PO Box 330 - Phoenix, OR 97535 ph. (541) 535-1955