Delphi is named Tree City USA
Comet staff report

As a result of resurrecting its Forestry Commission last year, the City of Delphi has recently earned the National Arbor Day Foundation's designation of Tree City USA.

A year of organizing and working to meet designated standards preceded the designation given in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.

Delphi's Forestry Commission is headed by Jean Howell, the city's grant coordinator.

"We have extremely active members and good participation, and working with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources we were able to meet the requirements of the national status of the Arbor Day Foundation," said Mayor Lee Hoard.

To earn Tree City U.S.A. status, four standards laid out by the Arbor Day Foundation had to be met.

+A legally responsible entity for the care and management of the community's trees had to be established (Delphi's volunteer forestry commission).

+An effective tree ordinance was put in place designating the establishment of the commission and its responsibility for writing and implementing an annual community forestry work plan.

+The city established a community forestry program supported by an annual budget of at least $2 per capita through its street department budget, that includes planning and maintenance, removal of hazardous trees, and other work.

+The city and commission participated in an Arbor Day celebration.

Late last year, the city received a $10,000 grant and has hired a professional forester to complete a street tree inventory in preparation for establishing a five-year management plan and tree care manual.

Hoard said the inventory and tree management plan will enhance the community in a number of ways by helping clean the air, conserve water and soil, moderate temperatures, and give the city additional economical and environmental benefits.

"In the long run, efficient and effective forest management will enhance the attractiveness of our city for residents and visitors alike," he said.

On April 26, Delphi will again join with Delphi Middle School seventh graders for an Arbor Day event that will include a ceremony to publicly recognize Delphi's status as a Tree City. The event will be held at the Middle School on Armory Road in Delphi.