WHEREAS, forest trees cover eighty-nine percent of Maine's land, making the state the most heavily forested in the United States; and

WHEREAS, city and town shade trees provide natural beauty, shade, and refreshing health for urban environments; and

WHEREAS, trees can reduce erosion of topsoil by wind and water, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife; and

WHEREAS, trees are a renewable resource, providing wood for homes, paper and turned products, residential and commercial-grade fuel, and lumber and other solid wood products; and

WHEREAS, trees provide a year-round opportunity for outdoor recreational activities; and

WHEREAS, it is in keeping with Maine's traditional celebration of spring to observe and promote the contributions of forests and urban shade trees to our quality of life; and

WHEREAS, Tree City USA honors are bestowed upon Maine municipalities by Project Canopy and Maine Forest Service for their commitment to growing and maintaining urban forests; NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim the week of May 18-24, 2025 as

Arbor Week

throughout the State of Maine, and I urge all citizens to conduct to promote awareness and appreciation of forest and shade trees and safely enjoy the beauty and abundance that Maine has to offer.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this eighth day of May Two Thousand Twenty-Five