Bill Chipman Palouse Memorial Tree & Recognition

Purpose

The Palouse Trail Committee supports a program intended to assist in establishing a scenic trail facility offering scenery, shade and improved habitat while recognizing the importance of honoring trail users, groups, events and organizations who/which have promoted and fostered the success of the trail. 

The Bill Chipman Palouse Trail Memorial Tree and Recognition Program provides the process by which plantings can be established in order to honor those individuals by creating opportunities for plants and plaques to be placed in memorial or recognition within the trail right-of-way.

Eligible Participants

Persons, groups, events, or organizations associated with the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail, its established traditions and/or mission may be so honored to participate in The Bill Chipman Palouse Trail Memorial Tree and Recognition Program.

Site or Planting Locations

The Palouse Trail Committee will offer one or more appropriate planting sites for consideration to the requestor (s). These sites will initially be determined based on previous construction of interpretive rest areas. Furthermore, species needs, soil types, and growth area needed for the plant species will determine the appropriate site for planting. 

Requests for planting in a specific location will be considered upon request, but if these spaces are filled or inappropriate, the trail committee will determine an acceptable alternate site.

Plant Species Selections

The Palouse Trail Committee will provide a ’Plant List’ of appropriate species for consideration and selection by program participants and will order the tree (s) upon selection for the next appropriate planting season. Plant species chosen from this list are preferred, but the donor, subject to approval by the Palouse Trail Committee, may request others.

Memorial Tree Recognition Plaque Requests

The Palouse Trail Committee will review requests for a memorial/recognition plaque in association with the planting program. Plaques will be restricted in size/material, language and location.

• Each plaque will measure three and one-half inches by five inches and will be porcelain enamel. Plaques will be of similar design to those located on the trail gateways.
• Plaque language will be reviewed closely for content and length. Unless otherwise preferred by donor, plaque language will also include species selection, location of planting and year of donation
• Plaques will be located at each end of the trail. Set on a column similar in size to those of the gateways.
• Tree Memorial/Recognition Request forms may be obtained by contacting The Whitman County Parks Department, 509-397-6238.

Fee for Selected Memorial/Recognition Tree & Plaque

The fee for a Memorial/Recognition tree and plaque is $1,000. This fee covers the cost of the tree, the plaque, and the installation of each. The Palouse Trail Committee will provide long-term care. Remaining funds will be placed into a Tree and Shrub fund dedicated to the purchase of new and replacement trees and shrubs to enhance the trail and will be used to replace a memorial/recognition tree, should it perish prematurely. 

Should a planting perish for whatever reason, following the initial instillation, these trees or shrubs will be replaced one time only.

Tree Memorial/Recognition Plaque

Trees have a natural lifespan, usually between 25 and 100 years. When a Memorial/Recognition tree reaches the end of its natural life on the trail, it will be removed. At this time the plaque will also be removed and if possible returned to the donor unless another individual, group, or organization wishes to sponsor a new Memorial/Recognition tree using the same plaque. 

This process allows for continuing opportunities for new Memorial/Recognition trees to be placed on the trail throughout the years, while allowing for the opportunity to maintain a record of all those honored in the past.