Tree City USA

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Springfield Named Tree City for 21st Consecutive Year

April 27, 2006

The City of Springfield has been named a Tree City USA from the National Arbor Day Foundation for the 21st consecutive year.

The National Arbor Day Foundation is a non-profit education organization that exists to help people plant and care for trees. Communities receive Tree City USA designation upon the recommendation of state foresters, who co-sponsor the program along with the USDA Forest Service. To become a Tree City USA, a community must have a city tree ordinance, a legal tree governing body, a comprehensive urban forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance.

“Maintaining the City’s status as a Tree City USA for these many years shows just how important our city trees are to our community,” said City of Springfield Public Works, Urban Forester Alan Moore.

Mike Hoffmann, Missouri Department of Conservation Forest Management Chief, will present the Tree City USA recognition items to Mayor Pro Tem Ralph Manley at 3:30 p.m., tomorrow, Friday, April 28th at the Urban Trees mural located along the Ozark Greenways trail under the Martin Luther King, Jr. Bridge. The City will receive a bronze medallion to add to its Growth Award plaque denoting the year 2005 recognition.

“This year’s record number of Tree City USA communities shows a growing level of dedication and care for our urban forests said John Rosenow, president of The National Arbor Day Foundation. “It shows the people of Springfield value trees for the beauty, grace, comfort and practical blessings they bring. The trees in Springfield help clean the air, conserve soil and water, and reduce heating and cooling costs by moderating temperatures,” he added. “Tree City USA honors the countless men, women and children in Springfield who are working hard to ensure a greener, healthier tomorrow for us all.”

For more information, contact: Alan Moore, Public Works Urban Forester, at 864-1135.

Missouri State ForesterJustine Gartner presented the Tree City USA award to Councilperson Shelia Wright accepts the Tree City USA award in the Busch Building Fourth Floor Conference Room.

Missouri State ForesterJustine Gartner presented the Growth Award showing just how important our city's trees are to our community.