SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1998-8711

By Senators Morton and Rasmussen

     WHEREAS, In 1957, the Washington State Legislature 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 by citizens in the state of Washington having 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, horticultural and home orchards and gardens all add to the beauty, economy and vigor of our state; and

     WHEREAS, Arbor Day focuses community attention on planting trees while educating school children and all of Washington's citizens about the value of trees and plants in our environment, in neighborhoods and communities; and

     WHEREAS, Arbor Day focuses on the special significance that trees play in the state's agricultural and timber-based economy, and the importance of continued regeneration of our renewable resources, and the significance of trees in habitat for our state's wildlife; 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;

     NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate proclaims April 8, 1998, as Washington Arbor Day, and encourages residents to plant a tree and celebrate this day as a day to plant and nurture trees and all plant life in Washington State.

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

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 1998-8711,

adopted by the Senate March 10, 1998.

MIKE O=CONNELL

Secretary of the Senate