WHEREAS, native plant species are an important part of Idaho’s natural heritage, providing valuable aesthetic, economic and ecological contributions that make our state a special place to live; and

        WHEREAS, Idaho enjoys amazing biodiversity, with more than 3,000 native plant species from evergreen forests in the north to desert species in the southern part of the state; and

        WHEREAS, preserving native plant ecosystems is critical for protecting wildlife, birds, fish and water quality in our state; and

        WHEREAS, invasive species present a great threat to sustaining our native plant ecosystems and biodiversity;

        NOW, THEREFORE, I, C.L. “BUTCH” OTTER, Governor of the State of Idaho do hereby proclaim the week of April 29, through May 5, 2007 as

NATIVE PLANT APPRECIATION WEEK

        in Idaho, and urge all citizens to join me in celebrating our floral diversity by learning more about our native plants and their habitats.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho at the Capitol in Boise on this 20^th day of February in the year of our Lord two-thousand and seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred thirty-first and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred seventeenth.       

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE