BRUNSWICK, Maine – U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), co-chairs of the Senate Working Forest Caucus, have led a bipartisan group of their Senate colleagues to introduce a resolution recognizing the significance of today, April 29th, 2022, as Arbor Day. The bipartisan resolution, which is also cosponsored by Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), highlights the importance of planting trees on Arbor Day, America’s long history of environmental stewardship, and the central role the forest products industry has in communities across our country.

“Maine and America’s forests are vital to the long-term economic and environmental health of our communities. Healthy trees support the air we breathe, are used to create products we use every day, and help fuel key industries that keep our country strong,” said Senator King. “Arbor Day is an essential reminder of the importance of our trees and the responsibility we all share to conserve America’s environment for future generations to come. In the face of a changing climate and shifting challenges, I hope we can use this day to rise to the needs of our forests and that together we can plant the seeds of success.”

“Working forests are a source of clean air and water, wildlife habitat, recreation, and wood and paper products we use every day. Conservation and active forest management go hand in hand, and Idaho has long been a leader in demonstrating just that,” said Senator Risch “I am proud to introduce this resolution to celebrate Arbor Day and Idaho’s commitment to healthy forests.”

“From our verdant western mountains to our rugged coastline, Maine’s picturesque scenery wouldn’t be complete without its beautiful forests,” said Senator Collins. “Maine is the most forested state in the nation, and our trees help to keep our environment clean, bolster our state’s economy through the forest products and tourism industries, and foster healthy and prosperous communities. National Arbor Day is an opportunity to celebrate the great outdoors and encourage future generations to preserve Maine’s forests for generations to come.”

Founded in April 1872 – 150 years ago – Arbor Day recognizes the importance of trees to everyday American life. The day promotes the care and planting of trees, while encouraging environmental conservation and civic engagement. Arbor Day is now recognized by all 50 states and across the world. You can read the full resolution celebrating the day HERE.

A member of the Energy and Natural Resources and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Senator King is among the Senate’s loudest voices advocating for environmental conservation, public lands, and outdoor recreation. Senator King helped lead the passage the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law; the legislation includes the Restore Our Parks Act and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Permanent Funding Act. Representing the most forested state in the nation, he has worked to strengthen and protect America’s forests. He recently introduced the ARCs Act to restore forest ecosystems and fight carbon emissions, along with legislation to create a federal forest health advisory panel. Senator King was also key in establishing the Forest Opportunity Roadmap Maine (FOR/ME) Initiative, an industry-led initiative that is helping to diversify the Maine’s wood products businesses, attract investments, support research and development, and develop greater economic prosperity for rural communities impacted by mill closures.