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degrees F. by the end of the century if swift action is not taken. As a sovereign trustee of natural <br />resources, government is accountable for protecting the atmosphere so humans can continue to survive <br />and prosper on this planet.” For more information, call Eugene Public Library at 682-5450. <br />Chinese Fellow Studies Eugene’s Urban Forestry and Volunteer Programs <br />Dr. Linsen Zhao, International Fellow from <br />China studying at the World Forestry Center in <br />Portland, visited Eugene for three days last <br />week to learn how the City’s urban forestry <br />and volunteer programs work with citizen <br />groups to improve the environment. Dr. Zhao <br />is a professor at the Southwest Forestry <br />College in Kumming, the capitol city of Yunnan <br />province in southwest China. <br />Dr. Zhao discussed China’s “Grain for Green” <br />national program to convert poor agricultural <br />land with steep slopes to forest cover in order <br />to slow soil erosion and desertification. In <br />addition to China’s work to improve its <br />economy and reduce poverty, the Grain for <br />Dr. Linsen Zhao talks to McKenzie River Trust Volunteer <br />Coordinator Katie Mader at StreamTeam planting. <br />Green project is a good example of China’s new <br />focus on addressing environmental issues. Dr. <br />Zhao also discussed his interest in finding new ways to further inspire a growing spirit of volunteerism in <br />China. <br />During his visit, Dr. Zhao attended the Tree Stewards volunteer tree pruning training class and a West <br />University Neighborhood meeting. He also met with Parks and Open Space urban forestry and volunteer <br />programming staff, and Phil Carroll, former President of the Eugene Tree Foundation (ETF). On his last <br />day Dr. Zhao helped plant trees and talked to volunteers at both a NeighborWoods and ETF planting <br />project on Harlow Road and at Stream Team’s East Alton Baker Park tree planting project. <br />“I’m deeply impressed by your passion and dedication to the environment and landscape,” said Zhao. “I <br />read on your website before I came about what a livable city Eugene is, with lots of tree canopy. In my <br />short time here I found the reason for that – the passion of dedicated people and the harmonious <br />collaboration between government agencies and non-government organizations and local citizens. I <br />talked to many local people, young and old, who all said they were proud to live in such a beautiful city. <br />Eugene is what it is due to the efforts of all the people.” For more information about Dr. Zhao’s work, visit <br />http://wfi.worldforestry.org/fellowship-4.htm or call Mark Snyder at 682-4819. <br />EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 5 <br />February 14, 2008 <br />