Moorestown Council Talks Bees, Takes Companion Animal Pledge

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Moorestown Council showed its support for nature at its most recent meeting. It unanimously approved a resolution pledging to ensure that animals are treated humanely, respectfully and responsibly at its meeting on Aug. 23. It also discussed the Bee City USA program.

The Companion Animal Pledge is part of the Sustainable Jersey program. The pledge focuses on the well-being of the community, including animals as people, according to sustainablejersey.com. It also addresses the costs of animal control, wildlife and environmental protection, governance and community relations. The site suggests that along with taking the pledge, the township develop a task force to lead the way.

It’s a pledge for this year, but Councilwoman Victoria Napolitano said the township can take more action later on, and that she does want this to be an active program. She also said many of the steps and suggestions from Sustainable Jersey have already been implemented and are being carried out by the township.

Additionally, beekeepers in the township have approached officials about the town becoming a Bee City USA township. Ridgewood and Buena Vista Township are already Bee City USA towns, thus showing their support for the Garden State’s official state insect.

Bee City USA raises awareness about the role bees play in sustaining the environment and how people can provide them with a healthy habitat, according to the organization’s website. Bee City USA towns follow a set of commitments to meet this end, which can be found at beecityusa.org.

The township manager would serve as the sponsor of the program, but Sustainable Moorestown would oversee its operation, according to Napolitano.

“This is a little bit of a heavier lift, but I think we can all get on board with this,” Councilwoman Lisa Petriello said.

This discussion was held during the workshop session, so no action was taken.

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