McMinnville receives Tree City USA title
McMinnville may be part of the Nursery Capital of the World, but now, the city may also be known as Tree City USA.
City urban forester Nick Kuhn said McMinnville has received the distinction from the National Arbor Day Foundation. He said it is the first year the city has received national recognition.
To become a tree city, a community must meet certain standards, including having a tree advisory board, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive forestry program and an Arbor Day observance.
Kuhn said the city’s official observance of Arbor Day is planned for April 26, which is also the day set for national observance. Being able to call McMinnville a Tree City USA, Kuhn added, is an honor that could enhance community marketing efforts or help the city on grant applications.
“You’re looking at the idea the city gets to benefit,” Kuhn said. “Plus, this is a place that sells so many trees everywhere else. We should be taking care of our own, too.”
Mayor Royce Davenport applauded the distinction.
“This has been a goal of city officials for many years and it’s appropriate for the Nursery Capital of the World,” he said.