Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week
Effective Date:
May 20, 2012 - May 26, 2012 WHEREAS, more than 78 million ash trees exist in the forests of North Dakota, enhancing our state’s air and water quality, natural landscapes, recreational destinations, wildlife habitats, property values and local economies; and
WHEREAS, approximately 45 percent of community trees in North Dakota are ash, helping residents reduce heating and cooling costs, reducing air pollution and storm water runoff, increasing property values and making our towns and cities some of the most beautiful in the country; and
WHEREAS, spring marks the beginning of the travel and tourism season in North Dakota and increasing public awareness and understanding of the emerald ash borer, a destructive exotic beetle, will benefit the state by curtailing the artificial spread of the beetle through the movement of firewood; and
WHEREAS, private and nonprofit organizations, universities, and local, state, tribal and federal agencies are working to protect the millions of ash trees in the state, and by employing a cooperative spirit and encouraging environmental stewardship, they are helping to reduce the risk to the nation’s ash resources; and
WHEREAS, Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week is an opportunity for state and local agencies, environmental groups, community organizations, schools, businesses, industry, tourists and citizens to take action against the introduction and spread of emerald ash borer.
NOW, THEREFORE, as Governor of the State of North Dakota, I do hereby proclaim May 20-26, 2012, EMERALD ASH BORER AWARENESS WEEK in the state of North Dakota.
Signed Proclamation:
