ACTON — Town Manager John Mangiaratti is pleased to announce that the Town of Acton has received its Tree City USA designation from the Department of Recreation and Conservation (DCR) and the Arbor Day Foundation.
The Tree City USA program has been greening up cities and towns across America since 1976. It is a nationwide movement that provides the framework necessary for communities to manage and expand their public trees. The program provides direction, assistance and national recognition for these communities.
Tree City USA recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation highlights Acton’s commitment to urban forestry, community improvement and civic pride. To qualify as a Tree City USA community, Acton met the four standards established by the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters. Tree City USA communities must have a tree board or department, a local tree ordinance, spend $2 per capita and promote Arbor Day.
Tree City USA communities who have worked to increase their number of public trees also enjoy numerous benefits including a reduced cost of energy, storm water management, erosion control and increased property values.
“Thanks to Department of Public Works Director Corey York and Tree Warden Ryan Hunt, the Town of Acton has achieved Tree City USA status,” said Town Manager Mangiaratti. “This designation recognizes all of their hard work and the Town of Acton’s commitment to forestry within our community. We look forward to growing and improving upon our urban forestry under Tree City USA’s guidance.”
The Town of Acton is in the process of planning its next Arbor Day event and has proposed that future Arbor Day events will coincide with Earth Day, which is observed each year on April 22.
The Town of Acton will be recognized by Tree City USA for its new designation on Thursday, May 7 in Needham.
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