HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 95-4659, by Representatives Buck, Johnson, Cairnes, Benton, Schoesler, McMahan, Pennington, McMorris, D. Schmidt and Koster

      WHEREAS, Arbor Day has been celebrated in Washington since 1917 when Governor Ernest Lister conducted the first official observance; and

      WHEREAS, It is statutory that the second Wednesday in April each year is designated as Washington State Arbor Day; 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, The heritage of our state was built from the hardworking ethics of the families who helped harvest our rich forests to provide wood products and homes for our citizens; and

      WHEREAS, Arbor Day is a traditional day for the planting of trees and shrubs by many citizens in the State of Washington; 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, to neighborhoods and communities, to our state's agricultural and timber-based economy, and the importance of continued regeneration of our renewable resources; 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 Washington State House of Representatives wishes to hereby recognize April 12, 1995, as Arbor Day and encourages residents to plant a tree or shrub and celebrate this day.

      I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

      Resolution 4659 adopted by the House of Representatives

                          April 12, 1995.

                 ________________________________

                  Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk