Oh Stewardship Tree, Oh Stewardship Tree; King County plants more than 53,000 in 2007

'Tis the season for trees, especially the outdoor variety as King County brings tidings of native tree plantings that will make the land a better place for future generations.

As part of its ongoing efforts to restore habitat and combat global warming, King County planted more than 53,000 Douglas firs, Western Red cedars, Sitka spruce, Big Leaf maples and red alders in 2007.

"Trees play such a vital role in protecting our environment – from keeping streams cool, to providing habitat for fish and wildlife, and helping to offset the effects of global warming," said King County Executive Ron Sims.

"By planting tens of thousands of trees each year, we're helping to ensure that King County remains a beautiful and healthy place for generations to come."

King County's Department of Natural Resources and Parks planted about 53,700 trees in 2007, including 31,500 trees as part of the Water and Land Resources Division's capital improvement projects; 15,000 trees for land management and stewardship programs; 5,200 trees as part of the Brightwater treatment plant project; and 2,000 trees for King County Roads Division projects.

While the numbers vary from year to year, King County plants an average of 40,000 to 50,000 trees for a variety of projects.

The environmental benefits of tree planting go far beyond their ability to absorb carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming.

Trees play a vital role in regulating water supplies, and help minimize water shortages in times of drought and damaging floods in heavy rains. They reduce soil erosion, conserving soil quality upstream and water quality downstream, and they provide habitat for a wide array of plants and animals

And efforts to ensure King County remains green go beyond planting trees: In 2004, Sims signed one of the nation's largest forest preservation agreements that protects the 90,000-acre Snoqualmie Tree Farm from development, and ensures that the land remain a working forest in perpetuity.