K 238: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 21, 2025, as Forest Day in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 238 BY: M. of A. Lemondes MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 21, 2025, as Forest Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official days that are set aside to promote and appreciate New York State's natural resources which benefit the lives of its citizens; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 21, 2025, as Forest Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of International Day of Forests; and WHEREAS, In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 21st as the International Day of Forests (IDF) to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests; each year on this day, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns; and WHEREAS, Since 1906, Empire State Forest Products Association (ESFPA) has been the forest products industry's source for information and public affairs in New York State; this vital non-profit organization for businesses and individuals is dedicated to improving the business climate for the forest products industry while promoting management of New York's Forests to meet the resource needs of today and for future generations; and WHEREAS, Forests purify the air we breathe, filter the water we drink, prevent erosion, and act as an important buffer against climate change; they also offer a home to much of the world's diverse array of plants and animals and provide essential natural resources from timber and food to medicinal plants; and WHEREAS, Known as the lungs of the Earth, forests are like giant, green sponges all over the globe, through which our Earth breathes; trees and plants take in carbon dioxide and give us oxygen, cleaning our air; and WHEREAS, Forests also give us wood for construction, paper, furniture, energy and so much more; currently, wood accounts for approximately 45% of the world's renewable energy supply; and WHEREAS, Healthy forests mean a healthy environment; forests stabilize the climate, control atmospheric temperatures, protect watershed areas, regulate the water cycle, and enrich the soil; and WHEREAS, Forests also play an important role in preventing soil erosion, as well as stabilizing and maintaining its quality, and provide a home to millions of species, sheltering and providing food for their sustenance; and WHEREAS, In addition, forests are natural aqueducts, absorbing and redistributing an estimated 95% of water; and WHEREAS, Forests, their sustainable management and use of resources, including in fragile ecosystems, are key to combating climate change, and to contributing to the prosperity and well-being of current and future generations; forests are truly one of our greatest natural treasures that must be preserved and protected; and WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body acknowledges this exceptional natural resource and its contributions to the local and State economies; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 21, 2025, as Forest Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York; and the Empire State Forest Products Association.