WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Jim Risch (R-ID), Co-Chairs of the Senate Working Forests Caucus, welcomed the news of the Senate’s unanimous passage of their bipartisan resolution recognizing today, April 26, 2024 as the 152^st Arbor Day. The resolution encourages the planting of trees on Arbor Day and highlights the importance of environmental stewardship in maintaining forests across Maine and the country.

“Maine’s history, landscape, and economy have deep roots in our expansive forests,” said Senator Angus King. “As the state with the highest percentage of forest coverage, Maine’s trees offer us everything from the syrup on our pancakes, to the clean air we breathe, to over 14,000 jobs in the forest products industry. I’m proud to join Senator Risch in recognizing today as Arbor Day and ensuring the preservation of our forests for years to come.”

“Idaho is a leading example of the important role of active forest management for conservation and forest health,” said Senator Jim Risch. “As a trained forester, I’m proud to partner with Senator King to celebrate Arbor Day.”

Senator King is a strong supporter of Maine’s forest economy and forest conservation. He was key in establishing the Forest Opportunity Roadmap Maine (FOR/ME) Initiative, an industry-led initiative that is helping to diversify the state’s wood products businesses, attract investments, support research and development, and develop greater economic prosperity for rural communities impacted by mill closures. He also introduced bipartisan legislation to convene a federal advisory panel tasked with making recommendations to secure the health of America’s forests and led the Trillion Trees Initiative to support U.S. leadership in reducing carbon in the atmosphere by restoring and conserving forests.  

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