Proclamation of the Mayor of Gig Harbor
To establish the 4th week in April of each year as "Earth Week" in Gig Harbor in celebration of the gifts humanity receives from a healthy urban forest.
Whereas,
- Trees provide oxygen necessary for life on earth
- Trees absorb and store carbon dioxide which helps control global warming
- Trees and their roots help prevent erosion, landslides and absorb storm water runoff
- Trees replenish our topsoil with nutrients necessary for native plants to flourish
- Trees provide habitat for wildlife and filter groundwater to keep our streams clean
- Our urban forest is the very signature of our livable community
- An Arbor Day celebration will encourage the planting of trees
- Forests provide the lungs of the planet, sanctuary for the soul and an economic engine
Gretchen A. Wilbert, Mayor
April 23, 2001