Oct. 2007 - Volume 68, Issue 10
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NextGEN Departments
Tree City USA continued...
Earning Tree City USA certification is a good deal for communities. Meeting the requirements of the program helps ensure the long-term planning and management necessary to preserve or improve urban forests.
Strong, healthy-growing street trees increase property values, improve the local and global environment by absorbing carbon dioxide and reduce energy consumption by reducing the need for cooling.
Public trees attract people to public places, where community spirit is fostered. They also draw people to shopping areas, which in turn draws businesses to locate in inviting and shaded downtown areas.
Tree City USA certification may also be useful when communities apply for state or national grants for forest-related work or activities. The designation signifies that trees are a high priority in the community, and it guarantees that a working infrastructure is in place to manage public trees.
Tree City USA certification also might mean another holiday. One of the four requirements for qualification is for a community to have an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. How communities comply might range from a simple ceremony honoring volunteer tree planters to a day-long festival that can be used as a springboard for helping residents learn more about trees and forest management.
A Success Story
Hermann recently attained the status of Tree City USA.
Located on the Missouri River in north Gasconade County, Hermann is well-known for its vineyards, festivals and beautiful scenery, especially in the fall when oaks, maples, hickories and other species growing in the rich riverside soils provide a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors.
About This Article
Author
AARON HOLSAPPLE works in Linn as a resource
forester. He and his wife, Lynne, enjoy camping
with their two very curious daughters, ages 3
and 5. He also plays guitar and enjoys singing.
Photographer
CLIFF WHITE is a life-long Missouri resident. After nearly 10 years as a staff photographer for the Missouri Department of Conservation, Cliff recently took on management duties as Art Director. Now he supervises on an unruly gang of super-creative folks. In his spare time Cliff likes to play old-time folk and bluegrass music, float fish and chase the occasional turkey.
