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ARBOR DAY PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, In 1872, Julius Sterling Morton, who would become Secretary of Agriculture under President Grover Cleveland, proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for planting trees; and, WHEREAS, The resulting holiday—Arbor Day—was first observed in that State with the planting of more than one million trees; and WHEREAS, Arbor Day is now recognized throughout the nation and the world, reminding us that one person’s initiative can make a lasting and meaningful difference; and WHEREAS, The City of Moscow and Moscow Tree Commission are committed to a community forestry program that supports a safe, healthy, and attractive urban forest; and WHEREAS, Trees are renewable resources that yield fruit and nuts for food and profit, wood for construction, fuel for warmth, paper products, and a wide variety of other goods and materials; and WHEREAS, When properly selected, planted in the right places, and tended appropriately, trees increase property values, add beauty, enhance economic vitality of business districts, cut heating and cooling costs, and provide buffers from traffic; and WHEREAS, Trees intercept storm water, reduce runoff and erosion, clean air and water, produce oxygen, slow climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, provide habitat for wildlife, and moderate air temperature; and WHEREAS, A healthy urban forest can bring a sense of vibrancy or respite, adventure or calm, escape or contentment, and connection to wild nature, amidst asphalt and concrete; and WHEREAS, Arbor Day reminds us of the timeless observation by its founder, J. Sterling Morton, that “Each generation takes the earth as trustees;” NOW, THEREFORE, I, Nancy Chaney, Mayor for the City of Moscow, do hereby proclaim April 26, 2013 as ARBOR DAY in the City of Moscow, and I urge all citizens to support the planting of trees, to promote the well-being of this and future generations. DATED this 4th day of March, 2013. Nancy Chaney, Mayor Copy Copy Copy