HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 97-4651, by Representatives Lisk, Ballard, Appelwick, Linville, Anderson, Cooper, Delvin, Koster, Mastin, Chandler, Sump, Cooke, D. Schmidt, Costa and L. Thomas

      WHEREAS, The Washington State Legislature has designated that the second Wednesday in April each year is celebrated as Arbor Day; and

      WHEREAS, Arbor Day is a day to recognize our state tree, the western hemlock, and state flower, the rhododendron; and

      WHEREAS, Arbor Day is a traditional day for the planting of trees and shrubs by citizens in the state of Washington; and

      WHEREAS, Arbor Day has been celebrated in Washington since 1917 when Governor Ernest Lister conducted the first official observance; and

      WHEREAS, Nurseries, orchards, tree farms, public and private forests, horticulturists, and home orchards and gardens all add to the beauty and vigor of our state; and

      WHEREAS, Arbor Day focuses community attention on planting trees while educating school children and community groups about the value of trees; and

      WHEREAS, Arbor Day is a symbolic day to recognize the importance of trees and shrubs to the environment, in neighborhoods and communities, in the state's agricultural and timber-based economy, and the importance of continued regeneration of our renewable resources; and

      WHEREAS, The state of Washington is appropriately called the Evergreen State due to the existence and special significance that trees and plants contribute to our jobs, natural beauty, environment, and quality of life to our citizens; and

      WHEREAS, By observing Arbor Day every year the citizens of the state can show their appreciation for the state's natural resources, the full range of benefits that are provided from trees and shrubs in the state, and the importance of planting trees and shrubs throughout the year; and

      WHEREAS, The Community and Urban Forestry Council was established by the legislature in 1991 to empower communities to preserve, plant, and maintain trees in their communities; and

      WHEREAS, Currently cities in Washington are recognized as Tree City USA cities; and

      WHEREAS, October is the preferred month for the care and planting of many species of trees;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives proclaim April 9, 1997, as Arbor Day and encourage residents to plant a tree or shrub and celebrate this day and also proclaim the month of October as Urban and Community Forestry month and urge residents to celebrate by planting and caring for trees, and by identifying significant and historic trees in their community.

      I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

      Resolution 4651 adopted by the House of Representatives

                          April 9, 1997.

                 ________________________________

                  Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk