justnorth posted on November 01, 2007 09:33 :: 1770 Views
Michigan communities and utilities interested in being designated as a Tree City or Tree Line USA must submit their application materials by Dec. 31, according to Department of Natural Resources forestry officials.
Application materials are available on the DNR's Web site at www.mi.gov/dnrtcusa.
These programs are sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation and administered in Michigan by the DNR.
To be named a Tree City USA, a community must meet the following four criteria: 1) have a designated tree board or responsible department; 2) a community tree ordinance; 3) spend an average of at least $2 per capita on tree related activities; and 4) have an annual Arbor Day proclamation and celebration during the calendar year.
Utilities seeking certification as a Tree Line USA must meet the following three requirements: 1) demonstrate the use of proper tree care practices near utilities 2) provide evidence of annual worker training for tree care and 3) provide evidence of public education and commitment to community tree planting.
The program began in 1976 as a U.S. Bicentennial project to promote tree planting and care in urban areas and call attention to the economic, health and aesthetic benefits provided by trees.
Michigan has seen a steady increase in the number of communities and utilities being certified. Last year, 111 communities and four utilities achieved either the Tree City or Tree Line USA designation. Michigan currently ranks ninth among all states in total number of communities certified. Today, Michigan communities in the program range in size from Richland (population; 593), to Detroit (population; nearly 1 million).
"One of the strengths of this program is that communities of any size can participate," said Kevin Sayers, Urban Forestry Program coordinator for the DNR. "Across the country there is a growing appreciation of the importance of trees and the realization that a good tree care program is a wise investment for the future."
Send completed applications to: DNR, Forest, Mineral, and Fire Management, P.O. Box 30452, Lansing, MI 48909-7952. For any questions about Tree City USA and Tree Line USA, or DNR's Urban and Community Forestry program, contact Kevin Sayers at (517) 241-4632 or sayersk@michigan.gov.
Article Source:
http://justnorth.com/Articles/tabid/105/articleType/AuthorView/authorID/12/justnorth.aspx