McMinnville recognized as Tree City USA

McMinnville was awarded the Tree City USA designation for 2007 by the National Arbor Day Foundation.

This is the seventh year the city has received the distinction.

‘Trees in our cities and towns help clean the air, conserve soil and water, moderate temperature, and bring nature into our daily lives,’ said National Arbor Day Foundation Chief Executive John Rosenow. ‘Trees are a vital component of the infrastructure in our cities and towns, and provide environmental and economical benefits. A community, and its citizens, that recognizes these benefits and provides needed care for its trees deserves recognition and thanks.’

Tree City USA recognizes communities that have proven their commitment to an effective, ongoing community forestry program. Such a program is one marked by renewal and improvement.

McMinnville first received the distinction for 2001. Since then, the city has been making the grade when it come to Tree City USA requirements:

‘ Establish a Tree Board

‘ Pass a Tree Care Ordinance

‘ Establish a community forestry program

‘ Organize an Arbor Day observance

Every community, regardless of size, benefits from becoming a Tree City USA. Becoming a community that cares about trees improves public image, community pride, financial assistance and gets the word out about tree care.

Holding this distinction improves how others see the community and how we see ourselves. Efforts at community enhancement show prospective businesses that the quality of life may be better here. When the community looks good, the people feel good about living here.

While holding onto the Tree City USA title, the city also holds onto grant money given first to areas that have the title. National Arbor Day Foundation sometimes gives preference to Tree City USA communities over other communities when allocations of grant money are made for trees or forestry programs.

While planting trees and observing the day, along with the other requirements, is important, what really matters are the trees. Taking the steps necessary to achieve the distinction, as well as the presentation itself, is a good way to reach large numbers of people with information about tree care.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.