8650

SENATE RESOLUTION

8650

By Senators Regala, Jacobsen, Morton, Oke, Sheldon, T., Fraser, Stevens, Rasmussen and Spanel

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

WHEREAS, The year 2001 Arbor Day theme of "Trees for the 21st Century" inspires public tree plantings to restore trees lost to urban sprawl, rural land conversion, disease and pests, lack of proper care, and even old age; and

WHEREAS, Arbor Day is a day to recognize our state tree, the Western Hemlock and our 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 park trees add to the beauty and vigor of our state; and

WHEREAS, Arbor Day focuses community attention on planting trees while educating 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 special significance that trees and plants contribute to our economy, natural beauty, environment, and quality of life of our citizens; and

WHEREAS, Urban and community forestry programs have greatly benefited the citizens of our cities and towns by contributing to the preservation of precious greenspace, planning for and managing community trees, and promoting the planting and care of trees along streets, highways, in parks, and at schools; and

WHEREAS, By observing Arbor Day and participating in urban and community forestry programs 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 and caring for trees and shrubs throughout the year;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize April 11, 2001, as Arbor Day and encourage residents to plant a tree or shrub and celebrate this day; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That, during the month of October, Urban and Community Forestry Month, the Senate encourage residents to celebrate by planting and caring for trees, and by identifying significant and historic trees in their communities.