Pinetop Lakeside issues proclamations for wildfire preparedness, Arbor Day and frontline workers

The Town of Pinetop Lakeside read three proclamations during its meeting: a proclamation designating May 2025 as National Wildfire Community Preparedness Month, one recognizing Friday, April 25, 2025, as Arbor Day in town, and a proclamation naming May 2025 as Frontline Worker Appreciation Month.

Jackson Woods, a member of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC), read the National Wildfire Community Preparedness Month proclamation on behalf of Mayor Stephanie Erwin. The proclamation urged residents to create defensible space—particularly within five feet of homes—harden structures against ember intrusion and remove hazards such as firewood piles and yard debris. The proclamation also noted that the Pinetop Lakeside Collection Centre is offering free residential green-waste disposal through April 28 to help residents prepare for wildfire season.

The Arbor Day proclamation, read for the mayor, noted the town’s recognition as a Tree City USA community by the National Arbor Day Foundation for the fortieth year and encouraged residents to support tree-planting and the community forestry program. The Frontline Worker Appreciation Month proclamation recognized local and national frontline personnel—health care workers, firefighters, law enforcement and EMS—citing the proclamation text that listed national workforce figures and encouraged public recognition of their contributions.

All three proclamations were presented as ceremonial items; they do not impose new rules or budgetary commitments. Town staff and MYAC members were recorded reading the proclamation texts on behalf of the mayor during the meeting.