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HomeMy WebLinkAboutArbor Day Foundation (2) C A' 11 ) Arbor Day Foundation April 20, 2011 ID)LECE 11 WEry _ i , APR 2 5 2011 • The Honorable Kenneth Olson, Jr. CITY O F LAUREL 115 West 1st Street Laurel, MT 59044 Dear Tree City USA Supporter, The Arbor Day Foundation congratulates Laurel on being named a Tree City USA® community for 2010. Residents of Laurel should take pride in the fact that they live in a community where planting and nurturing trees is a priority. You already know that trees are a vital component of the infrastructure in cities and towns, providing environmental and health benefits for your citizens. In fact, trees are a rare component of a community's infrastructure in that they actually increase in value and service over time from a modest investment. Enclosed is a press release for your convenience as you prepare to contact your local media to share this commendable achievement with the public. We hope you are excited to share the significance of this accomplishment. If you wish to receive this press release in electronic form, please email Mark Derowitsch, Public Relations Manager of the Foundation, at mderowitsch @arborday.org. We will send it to you within one business day. The Tree City USA program is sponsored in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. Today, more than 3,400 cities and towns have been recognized as a Tree City USA community. State foresters are responsible for the presentation of the Tree City USA flag and other materials. We will forward your awards to Jamie Kirby in your state forester's office. They will be coordinating the presentation with you. It would be especially appropriate to make the Tree City USA award a part of your community's Arbor Day ceremony. Again, we celebrate your diligence in improving the quality of life for the citizens of Laurel and thank you for creating a healthier, more sustainable world for us all. Best regards, ohn Rosenow Chief Executive cc: Kurt Markegard Enclosure For more information, News from contact Mark Derowitsch, Public Relations Manager, at Arbor Day Foundation' mderowitscharborday.orq or call 888 - 448 -7337. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Arbor Day Foundation Names Laurel Tree City USA® Community Laurel, MT, was recognized by the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA community for its commitment to urban forestry. Laurel has earned this national designation for 4 years. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. Laurel has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community. Tree City USA communities must have a tree board or department, a tree -care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. "We commend Laurel's elected officials, volunteers and its citizens for providing vital care for its urban forest," said John Rosenow, chief executive and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Trees provide numerous environmental, economical and health benefits to millions of people each day, and we applaud communities that make planting and caring for trees a top priority." Communities that earn Tree City USA recognition not only have taken the time to meet the four standards, they know that trees: • Promote healthier communities by filtering the air we breathe by removing dust and other particles. • Moderate climate, conserve water and provide vital habitat for wildlife. • Reduce the heat island effect in urban areas caused by pavement and buildings. • Increase property values and reduce energy use and add beauty to our homes and neighborhoods. More information about Tree City USA can be found at www.arborday.orq /TreeCityUSA. About the Arbor Day Foundation The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit, environmental and education organization of more than one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at www.arborday.org.