OHIO LEADS THE NATION WITH 222 TREE CITY USA COMMUNITIES

COLUMBUS, OH -- For the 20th consecutive year, Ohio has retained its standing as the nation’s leader in the number of Tree City USA communities, with 222 participating cities, villages and municipalities, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Sam Speck announced today.

Through this program, Ohioans planted more than 54,000 trees, pruned more than 106,000 trees, volunteered nearly 41,000 hours and invested more than $32 million towards urban forestry efforts in 2001.

“Ohio’s urban landscape is more vibrant, fresher and greener thanks to community volunteers who worked with the support of our urban foresters to make this program such a success,” said ODNR Director Sam Speck.

Tree City USA encourages citizens to become more involved in tree care and planting programs, which enhance their neighborhoods.

Participating communities must meet the following criteria: establish a Tree Board or department to carry out a tree care program; enact and enforce a Community Tree Ordinance to provide direction; fund the community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita; and celebrate Arbor Day with a community ceremony and proclamation from the mayor.

Since 1979, the ODNR Division of Forestry has assisted communities in establishing and maintaining comprehensive tree care programs. In 1997, Ohio became the first state to have more than 200 designated communities in any one year.

The Tree City USA program, created in 1976, is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities and the National Association of State Foresters. Arbor Day is Friday, April 26.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF OHIO’S TREE CITY USA COMMUNITIES VISIT THE ODNR WEB SITE AT OHIODNR.COM

For Further Information Contact:
Andy Ware, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882