SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1997-8648

By Senators Anderson, Newhouse, Goings, Fraser, Prince, Morton, Rasmussen, Oke, Sellar, Snyder, Swecker, McAuliffe, Zarelli and Spanel

     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;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate of the state of Washington proclaim April 9, 1997, as Arbor Day and encourage residents to plant a tree or shrub and celebrate this day.

I, Mike O=Connell, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 1997-8648,

adopted by the Senate April 9, 1997.

MIKE O=CONNELL

Secretary of the Senate