McMinnville named Tree City again

McMinnville was awarded the Tree City USA designation again this year, as well as a Tree City USA Growth Award.

McMinnville is one in 34 cities that received the Tree City USA award and only one in eight that received the Tree City Growth Award in Tennessee.

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.

Receiving the Tree City USA distinction sets forth an image of the community, an image that states the citizens in this community care about their community and their environment. It conveys the image that the quality of life may be better here than other places, according to program literature.

The award also reminds area citizens about the hard work by our tree workers, managers, volunteers, tree board members and others who work on behalf of better care of a community?s trees. Private property owners who take satisfaction and pride when it comes to the trees on their property can share in the pride of Tree City USA.

The benefit of being a Tree City USA recipient allows McMinnville access to grants which are available through state or federal agencies. Some of these officials tend to have more confidence in communities that have accomplished this distinction. These grants are a benefit to all area citizens as some will be used toward classes that educate about trees.

The Tree City USA Growth Award is awarded to recognize environmental improvement in Tree City USA communities.

?This means we are going above and beyond,? said city forester Nick Kuhn. ?And the state legislators are aware of this.?

In order to receive this award, communities must excel in four categories including education/public relations, partnerships, planning/management, and tree planting/maintenance.

Communities that earn the Growth Award for 10 years receive special Sterling Tree City USA Designation. Bristol and Jackson were awarded this distinction in 2000.