Student Government Association and Senate Discusses 'Tree Campus USA'

Senior Staff Writer

Photo by Susan Pruitt

Tree Campus USA - Micah Bateman (left) listens as Senate President Zack Tucker (right) explains the benefits of the University of Arkansas-Monticello participating in the Arbor Day Foundation's "Tree Campus USA." Tucker said the program would recognize the school as tree-friendly.

   The Student Government Association and Senate met Jan. 28 to discuss the University of Arkansas at Monticello participating in the Arbor Day Foundation’s “Tree Campus USA.”

   Senate President Zack Tucker said last year 12 schools across the nation participated in the Arbor Day Foundation’s “Tree Campus USA.” Tucker said no current schools in the state of Arkansas applied for the program.

   “It helps determine how close you build your buildings towards trees or the sidewalks or roads. For shading, it helps with energy. There are several different benefits,” Tucker said.

   Tucker said it made sense for UAM to be the first school in Arkansas to participate since UAM is the only forestry school in the state.

   “It’s a basic program that would recognize the school as tree-friendly,” Tucker said.

   Robert Stark, professor of agricultural economics, asked the SGA for $200 for Shelby Williams to attend the Arkansas Farm Bureau National Convention in Washington, D.C. March 2 - 5. Williams’ total cost for the trip equals approximately $1,300.

   Stark said Arkansas Farm Bureau takes students once a year to meet delegates, representatives and senators in Washington, D.C. He said the Arkansas Farm Bureau invited the Collegiate Farm Bureau for the first time this year.

   “Shelby is a really good student. He’s very active. He will be going and taking pictures. When he gets back, we will have a University presentation over in the School of Agriculture. The whole University is invited to come,” Stark said.

   The SGA approved $200 for Williams to attend the Arkansas Farm Bureau National Convention. Mindy Holcomb, director of Student Programs and Activities, said the SGA has $1,000 in its account.

   Holcomb also reminded the SGA and Senate of Weevil Welcome Feb. 5 and 8.

   For more information on the SGA or Senate, please contact Holcomb at 460-1396 or via e-mail at Holcomb@uamont.edu.

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