NEWS

United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
9173 W. Barnes Dr., Suite C
Boise, Idaho 83709
 
For More Information:
Mike Bowman 208.596.6335
Jody Fagan, 208.685.6978

Media Advisory:
Ceremonial Tree Planting to Feature Lt. Governor Jim Risch

March 30, 2006, Boise, ID—A Champion Tree ceremonial tree planting will be held at Ann Morrison Park in Boise on April 4 at 2 p.m. Speakers will include Idaho Lieutenant Governor Jim Risch and Kent Rudeen, chairman of the Idaho Resource Conservation and Development Association (IRCDA).

The planting will feature offspring from a special White ash Champion Tree. A Champion Tree is the nation’s largest tree of its species as determined by combining measurements of trunk circumference, height and crown spread. The national Champion Tree Project works with private and public tree owners and nurseries to produce Champion Tree clones.

“This celebration emphasizes the importance of trees in our community,” says Dan Pierce, Clearwater Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) coordinator. “Trees provide many benefits including improving air quality, aesthetics, economic development and quality of life.”

The April 4th planting in Boise kicks off similar Champion Tree plantings in towns across Idaho sponsored by the IRCDA, Idaho Department of Lands and local governments.

Jerry Stallsmith, urban forester for the City of Boise, says it makes sense to kick off month-long Arbor Day celebrations in Boise—the “City of Trees.” Boise is also commemorating its 28th year of being designated as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation.

“I’m glad we’re planting from a Champion Tree,” Stallsmith says. “Champion Trees are good, sturdy trees that survived all these years. It’s important to preserve these trees.”

The partnership of the IRCDA and the Idaho Department of Lands works together to provide community forestry assistance to towns throughout the state. The IRCDA is the umbrella organization for Idaho’s local nonprofit RC&D Councils, which are made up of community volunteers who bring people together to improve economic development and conservation of natural resources.

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