Delphi awarded Urban Forestry grant

Delphi's Forestry Commission learned Friday that it will receive a $10,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

According to Delphi grant administrator Jean Howell, the award will provide the Commission and the city with funding to develop an inventory of trees on city property. A tree management plan and tree manual will also be developed. These steps will assist in maintaining data on hazardous trees, list and define species of trees, and areas in need of replanting, and inform city workers and residents on care of trees.

Howell said the idea of the project is to enhance the city. "The Urban Forestry Conservation Grant award will provide funding to hire a professional urban forester to guide the city through a detailed tree inventory and management plan," said Howell. "A well maintained urban forest will improve air quality, reduce energy usage and protect soil and water resources. In the long run, efficient and effective forest management will enhance the attractiveness of our city for residents and visitors alike."

Delphi Forestry Commission was revived in April 2006 after a number of years of inactivity. In addition to creating a venue for promoting the health, environmental and economic development benefits of trees, an additional goal of the Commission is to earn the designation of Tree City USA for Delphi.

To be named a Tree City, a community must meet four standards established by National Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters. Those standards include:

+A legally responsible entity for the care and management of the community's trees, whether a professional forester or arborist, an entire forestry department, or a volunteer tree board. In Delphi's case a volunteer Forestry Commission was established and works closely with the Street Department superintendent.

+A Tree Ordinance in place designating the establishment of a tree board or forestry department with the responsibility for writing and implementing an annual community forestry work plan.

+Evidence the community has established a community forestry program supported by an annual budget of at least $2 per capita. This is achieved through the Street Department budget which includes planning and maintenance, removal of hazardous trees, and other work associated with Delphi's urban forest.

+ Least challenging but the most enjoyable standard is an Arbor Day celebration whether a simple tree planting event or an award ceremony honoring leading tree planters.

In 2006, Delphi Forestry Commission and Mayor Lee Hoard joined with Delphi Middle School students in proclaiming Delphi's participation in Arbor Day, and the seventh grade class efforts in annually planting trees in and around the city.

"The City of Delphi has always been proud to help when it comes to working with the people of our city and the school students to promote tree conservation," Hoard said. "I'm very proud of our staff and committee who helped in all of our endeavors."