For 11 years the Air Conditioned City has received another honor, Tree City USA. The Arbor Day Foundation gave Bluefield,
W.Va. the distinction in 2012 for its commitment to urban forestry.
"We all benefit when communities like Bluefield
place a high priority on planting and caring for trees, one of our nation's
most beautiful resources," said John Rosenow, chief executive and founder of
the Arbor Day Foundation.
The Tree City
USA program is
sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National
Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.
Tree City USA
communities must meet four requirement including have a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a
community forestry program with annual expenditures of at least $2 per capita
and an Arbor Day observance or proclamation.
According to a release from the Arbor Day Foundation, communities that earn Tree City
USA recognition not only
have taken the time to meet the four standards, they know that trees:
- Promote healthier communities by filtering the
air we breathe by removing dust and other particles.
- Moderate climate, conserve water and provide
vital habitat for wildlife.
- Reduce the heat island effect in urban areas
caused by pavement or buildings.
- Reduce energy use and increase property values.
"Trees shade our homes and add beauty to our
neighborhoods and they also provide many environmental, economic and social
benefits," said Rosenow. "We applaud Bluefield's
elected officials, volunteers and citizens for providing vital care for its
urban forest."
More information about Tree City
USA can be found at www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.
The Arbor Day Foundation has more than 1 million members, with a mission to
inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees.
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