WDNR - Tree City USA is a recognition program started in 1972 by the national Arbor Day Foundation. Working in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and state forestry agencies, the Tree City USA program honors communities that have made a commitment to nurturing, caring for, and celebrating the trees that make up a their urban forest.
There were 174 towns, villages, and cities throughout Wisconsin that earned Tree City USA award recognition in 2009. "Many Wisconsin municipalities already meet the criteria for being Tree City USA communities," said Jeff Roe, DNR urban forestry coordinator.
In Wisconsin, interested communities submit new and renewal applications to the Department of Natural Resources Urban Forestry Program.
"The Tree City USA program and the companion Tree Line and Tree Campus programs are great ways for generating support and recognition for your community and its tree resources," Roe said. "Becoming a Tree City community indicates a commitment by the municipality to its citizens to enhance the beauty, civic pride and livability of their community."
"We find the Tree City USA Program is a source of local pride and encourages better care of community forests, a resource that touches the lives of everyone in a municipality," Roe said.
Wisconsin municipalities have until December 31 to submit applications to become Tree City USA communities.
Tree City USA application materials are available on the DNR Web site. Any community interested in becoming a Tree City USA can contact the regional urban forestry coordinator who serves their community for information on the program, as well as help in improving their local forest resources. Municipalities can find the name of the regional urban forestry coordinator serving their community on the DNR Web site.