justnorth posted on April 14, 2007 11:39 :: 1484 Views
The "Tree City USA" designation is being awarded to 111 Michigan communities this year for their promotion of urban forestry, the Department of Natural Resources announced today. This represents an increase of five communities from last year's total of 106, and includes the new communities of Burr Oak, Coldwater and Petersburg. Michigan now ranks 8th among all states in total number of communities certified.
The Tree City USA program promotes tree planting and care in urban areas, and calls attention to the economic, health and aesthetic benefits trees have to offer. To be eligible to participate, a community must meet the following four requirements:
- Have a designated tree board or department for its urban forest program;
- Have a community tree ordinance;
- Have a community tree program budget equivalent to $2 per resident;
- Have an annual Arbor Day celebration and official Arbor Day proclamation.
Since the program began in 1976, Michigan has seen a steady increase in the number of communities certified as a Tree City.
"This honor is an important recognition of the efforts made by Michigan communities to promote and manage their local forest resources," said Lynne Boyd, chief of the DNR Forest, Mineral and Fire Management Division. "It is especially encouraging to see the sustained investment communities are making in their tree care programs."
Along with the Tree City USA program, the DNR certified a total of four Michigan utility companies through the Tree Line USA program. This program encourages utility companies to offer tree care education programs and sponsor tree planting events. This year's awardees include one new utility company - International Transmission Company. Three awardees were recertified this year and include DTE Energy, Lansing Board of Water and Light and Upper Peninsula Power Company.
This year's list of communities certified is attached.
For questions on the DNR's Urban and Community Forestry program, contact Kevin Sayers at 517-241-4632 or at sayersk@michigan.gov or visit the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnrucf.
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