Dear Mayor:

The Mississippi Urban Forest Council is introducing a new community tree program you may find helpful to your community called The Mayor’s Tree Planting Challenge. As each of you seek ways to enhance the quality of life and economic success of your town we hope that you will include trees, which can add great benefits and value for a small price. This program is designed to assist and encourage local tree planting. It was actually created by a mayor for mayors. Below is a list of many communities already enrolled in the challenge. Each community will be recognized statewide with one city winning a valuable prize package in honor if it=s success. Each city must enroll and keep a record of how many trees are planted on both public and private land within the city limits. The winning city will be chosen based on the highest number of trees planted between January 2005 and March 2007. Simply, establish a method of keeping up with the number, begin counting now, and turn in the total to us by March 31, 2007. The winning city will be announced Earth Day 2006 and 2007. You do not have to be present to win, but you may want to send a representative to learn more about grants and urban forestry. To enroll in the program and the drawings please complete the attached form and proclamation.

Ellisville Sumrall Hattiesburg Holly Springs

Greenville Macon Holly Springs Stonewall

Itta Bena Yazoo City Waveland Port Gibson

Hernando Natchez Liberty Tunica

Clarksdale Amory Taylorsville Clinton

McLain Montticello Tchula Crystal Springs

Rolling Fork Baldwyn Louisville Madison

Coahoma Okalona Collin Lucedale

Houston Koscuisko Aberdeen Anguilla

Terry Raymond Columbia Vaiden

Belzoni Horn Lake Olive Branch Ridgeland

Pickens Brandon Oxford Cleveland

Hollandale Enterprise Long Beach Marks

Bassfield Morton Metcalf Ashland

Please complete the enrollment form and return to us. The Mayor’s Tree Planting Challenge is sponsored by International Paper Company and Plum Creek Timber Company.

Sincerely,

Donna Yowell,

Executive Director