In recognition of its commitment to
effective urban forest management, Montgomery County has been named a 2015 Tree
City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.
The County earned the recognition
by meeting the program’s four requirements of having 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, and is celebrating its
40th anniversary this year.
County Executive Ike Leggett said,
“I am proud that Montgomery County is also celebrating an anniversary – 20
years of being selected as a Tree City USA. As our population continues to
grow, ensuring that we maintain the trees we have and plant even more is
critical to the health of our environment. Trees reduce air and water
pollution, help fight climate change, provide wildlife habitat, reduce home
cooling requirements and greatly enhance our community’s quality of life.
Montgomery County is committed to protecting our tree canopy for current and
future generations.”
“Tree City USA communities see the
impact an urban forest has in a community first hand,” said Dan Lambe,
president, Arbor Day Foundation. “Additionally, recognition brings residents
together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it’s through volunteer
engagement or public education.”
Montgomery County has a Forest
Preservation Strategy and a number of laws designed to protect and increase the
number of County trees. A 2014 Tree Canopy Law requires property owners to plant
new trees during development to help offset impacts on the natural environment.
More information about the County’s
tree laws and programs is available online.
To learn more about the Tree City
USA program, visit the Arbor Day Foundation website.
