HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2002-4733, by Representatives Linville and McDermott

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

      WHEREAS, The year 2002 Arbor Day theme of "Connecting Communities" inspires public tree plantings to restore trees lost to urban sprawl, rural land conversion, disease and pests, the lack of proper care, and even old age; 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, Nurseries, orchards, tree farms, public and private forests, and street and parks trees 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 the jobs, natural beauty, environment, and quality of life of 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 House of Representatives hereby recognizes April 10, 2002, as Arbor Day and encourages residents to plant a tree or shrub and celebrate this day and also recognizes the month of October as Urban and Community Forestry month and urges 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

      4733 Resolution adopted by the House of Representatives

                          March 13, 2002.

                   _____________________________

                   Cynthia Zehnder, Chief Clerk