The City of Frederick, Maryland has been recognized by the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City, USA community for its commitment to urban forestry for the 32nd year in a row!
CONTACT: Susan Harding, Public Information Officer, 301-600-1385
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, April 17, 2012
City Celebrates 32nd Year as Tree City USA
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Frederick, MD – The City of Frederick, Maryland has been recognized by the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City, USA community for its commitment to urban forestry for the 32nd year in a row!
Frederick is the only City in the State of Maryland that has held the distinction of being a Tree City USA for 32 years. In order for a city to be honored, it must meet four standards set by the National Arbor Day Foundation. They are as follows:
• Possess a tree board or department
• Possess a community tree ordinance
• Possess a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita
• Hold an Arbor Day observance with a proclamation.
In addition to the Tree City USA award, the City also received a Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating progress in its community forestry program.
The prestigious Growth Award honors environmental improvements and higher level of tree care in Tree City USA communities.
“Communities that are honored with a Tree City USA designation and a Growth Award make a strong commitment to planting and caring for trees and we applaud their efforts,” said John Rosenow, Chief Executive and Founder of the Arbor Day Foundation. “We also commend a community’s elected officials, volunteers and its citizen s for providing needed care for its trees. They recognize that trees provide numerous environmental, economical and health benefits for the community every day.”
Mayor Randy McClement said, “I am very proud of the progress The City of Frederick is making with our tree canopy and forestry program. Our City Arborist, Tom Rippeon, is extremely knowledgeable and deserves a tremendous amount of credit for the recognitions the City has received. It is an honor for us to repeatedly receive this recognition.”
The City of Frederick will observe Arbor Day on Wednesday, April 18th with a program and tree planting ceremony at Hillcrest Elementary School. Mayor McClement will present a proclamation in honor of Arbor Day 2012.
“ Arbor Day is not only a celebration of our communities’ trees but provides an opportunity for Fredericktonians to get outside on this day and leave a legacy that helps support clean air and water for our City,” said Mayor McClement
For additional information, please contact Tom Rippeon, 301-600-1233.
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