Utilities, IDL help Idaho cities celebrate Arbor Day

The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), Avista Utilities, Idaho Power and Utah Power are happy to announce the 2006 Arbor Day Grant Program.

Designed to promote the observance of Arbor Day in Idaho and educate Idaho citizens about the benefits of tree planting, the program provides communities with cash grants to purchase trees, refreshments, handouts and other items to enhance the celebration of Arbor Day.

This year 70 grants of $150 each are being made available to support Arbor Day activities in Idaho communities. For the fourth consecutive year, Idaho's three investor-owned utility companies - Avista Utilities, Idaho Power and Utah Power - have joined IDL in sponsoring this grant program. The funds for these grants are part of the Idaho Community Forestry Trust Account supported in part by the contributions of these utilities.

Information on the grant program has been mailed to all incorporated cities in Idaho and is also available at the IDL Community Forestry web page www.idaho.gov/lands (click on community forestry). The application deadline is March 17 at 4:30 p.m. Grant applicants will be notified the week of March 20.

Idaho joins most other states in celebrating Arbor Day on April 26. However, trees and planting conditions do not honor calendars and many Idaho communities may choose to celebrate Arbor Day on a different date. For further information contact the IDL Community Forestry Office at 1-800-432-4648.