HomeMy WebLinkAboutArbor Day Foundation (4) Arbor Day Foundation
i Li t.;A,9 2 7 2015
Mayor Mark Mace
PO Box 10 ___..----_ ____M
Laurel,MT 59044 ` ' ` ' [ ' f
Dear Tree City USA Supporter,
On behalf of the Arbor Day Foundation,I write to congratulate Laurel on earning recognition as a 2014
Tree City USA. Residents of Laurel ought to be proud to live in a community that makes the planting and
care of trees a priority.
Your community joins more than 3,400 Tree City USAs,with a combined population of 140 million. The
Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S.Forest
Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
As a result of your commitment to effective urban forest management,you already know that trees are vital
to the public infrastructure of cities and towns throughout the country,providing numerous environmental,
social and economic benefits. In fact,trees are the one piece of community infrastructure that actually
increases in value over time.
We hope you are excited to share this accomplishment. Enclosed in this packet is a press release for your
convenience as you prepare to contact local media and the public.
State foresters are responsible for the presentation of the Tree City USA flag and other materials. We will
forward information about your awards to your state forester's office to coordinate presentation. 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 commitment to the people and trees of Laurel and thank you for helping to create
a healthier planet for all of us.
Best Regards,
\PCi;AV't .
Matt Harris
Chief Executive
cc: Kurt Markegard
enclosure
For more information,contact: 0 Arbor Day Foundation
Anthony Marek,402-473-9563
amarek@arborday.org arborday.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Arbor Day Foundation Names Laurel Tree City USA
Laurel,MT was named a 2014 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment
to effective urban forest management.
Laurel achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: a tree board or
department,a tree-care ordinance,an annual community forestry budget of at least$2 per capita and an
Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation,in partnership with the U.S.
Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
"Everyone benefits when elected officials,volunteers and committed citizens in communities like
Laurel make smart investments in urban forests,"said Matt Harris,chief executive of the Arbor Day
Foundation. "Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods,along with numerous
economic, social and environmental benefits."
Cleaner air,improved storm water management,energy savings and increased property values and
commercial activity are among the benefits enjoyed by Tree City USA communities.
More information on the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.
About the Arbor Day Foundation: The Arbor Day Foundation is a million member nonprofit
conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant,nurture,and
celebrate trees.More information is available at arborday.org.