WHEREAS, Arbor Day was first recognized by the State of Alaska in 1966 with the intent to increase public awareness of the importance of the conservation and propagation of trees and forests to the ecosystem and the daily life of the citizens of Alaska; and

WHEREAS, since then, 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 provide an abundance of benefits to our communities by absorbing air pollutants, reducing the erosion of valuable topsoil, moderating temperatures, and by providing habitat for Alaska’s wildlife; and

WHEREAS, trees enhance the beauty of our communities and are a renewable resource, providing us with paper, wood for construction, fuel for our fires, and jobs for our people; and

WHEREAS, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Fire Protection is responsible for encouraging appropriate management of our urban and rural forests; managing Alaska’s forest lands 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 critical 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 20, 2024 as:

Arbor Day

in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to plant trees in their communities, provide ongoing maintenance, management, and care of local trees and forested areas, and promote the livelihood of these assets for future generations.