SENATE RESOLUTION

                         2000-8743

By Senators Fraser, Bauer, Spanel and Rasmussen

     WHEREAS, It is statutory that the second Wednesday in April each year is designated as Washington State Arbor Day; 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, 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, including our neighborhoods and communities and 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 special significance that trees and other evergreen plants contribute to our jobs, environment, and quality of life of our people; and

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

     WHEREAS, Arbor Day is a day to recognize our state tree, the Western Hemlock and state flower, the Coast Rhododendron; and

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

     WHEREAS, Arbor Day=s theme of  APeople-Trees-Water -- 2000 -- Parts of the Same System@ focuses on protecting and restoring vegetation and trees along streams for salmon and other fish and providing clean water;

     NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the members of the Washington State Senate do hereby recognize and honor April 12, 2000, as Arbor Day in the state of Washington, and encourage residents to plant a tree or shrub in celebration of  this day.

I, Tony M. Cook, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 2000-8743,

adopted by the Senate March 7, 2000.

TONY M. COOK

Secretary of the Senate