Orofino, Weippe, Peck awarded Arbor Day grants

4-12-06

Orofino, Weippe and Peck are among 80 Idaho cities awarded grants for the celebration of Arbor Day by Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), Avista Utilities, Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power (formerly Utah Power).

The grant program is designed to promote the observance of Arbor Day in Idaho and educate Idaho citizens about the benefits of tree planting. The $150 cash grants help communities purchase trees, handouts and other items to enhance their individual Arbor Day celebrations.

City of Orofino will celebrate Arbor Day April 29 with a "Take Pride in Your Community" clean up day. Volunteers from the community will spend the day beautifying the city and are given trees to plant. Recycling of cardboard, cans, used oil, and scrap metal is promoted. The Orofino Urban Forestry Committee gives out free trees and information on planting, as well as holds an ornamental tree drawing. Their grant money will be used to purchase these trees from local nurseries. The City of Orofino, Clearwater County and Orofino Chamber of Commerce each donate $50, which is used to provide hot dogs, soft drinks and garbage bags.

City of Peck will celebrate April 27. The Peck Tree Board will provide an hour educational session for the students of Peck Elementary School. The focus will be on tree selection based on location and how to care for newly planted trees (emphasizing ways students can protect trees from damage). They plan to use grant funds to purchase educational materials for the school to promote learning about trees and plants. Costs over and above available grant funds will be donated by Peck Tree Board members.

City of Weippe will celebrate April 29 by taking part in Idaho's Champion Tree Project and planting a Norway Maple at the museum, as well as planting several Ponderosa Pines at the City Park.

IDL is joined for the fourth year by Idaho's three largest investor-owned utilities in sponsoring this grant program. Trees enhance communities by providing cleaner air, water and give a sense of place.

According to IDL Director Winston Wiggins, "Avista Utilities, Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power are setting an example, through participation in this program of how businesses can work with the public to conserve energy and improve the health of communities. Properly located and cared for trees around homes and businesses can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 25 percent, while improving air and water quality throughout the state. These grants help promote these messages and encourage wise stewardship of the important natural resources."