WHEREAS, since 1966, Alaska has recognized Arbor Day as a day to appreciate one of our greatest resources, with the intent “to increase public awareness of the vital importance of the conservation and propagation of trees and forests to the everyday life of the citizens of Alaska”; and
WHEREAS, trees benefit our communities in many ways: they reduce the erosion of topsoil by wind and water, enhance the allurement of landscapes of our homes, schools, and towns, reduce our heating and cooling costs, moderate temperature, clean the air, and provide habitat for Alaska’s plentiful wildlife; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of Arbor Day has been expanded to encourage the planting and care of trees for the benefit of urban, community, and rural landscapes; and
WHEREAS, trees bring beauty into our communities, and are a renewable resource, giving us paper, wood for construction, fuel for our fires, and countless other products; and
WHEREAS, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, is responsible for encouraging appropriate management of our urban and rural forests; managing Alaska’s 2.6 million acres of forest land for multiple objectives; protecting against wildfire, insects, and diseases; providing technical assistance to forestland owners and managers; and promoting wise stewardship of forest lands; and
WHEREAS, healthy and properly managed trees and forests provide environmental, economic, and social benefits and improve the quality of life for Alaskans.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim May 17, 2021 as:
Arbor Day
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to recognize the importance of trees and forests in Alaska, and to participate in the responsible management and treatment of Alaska’s forest lands.
