Delphi recognized for urban forestry management
Comet staff report

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry (DoF), has recognized 61 Hoosier cities and towns as Tree Cities USA for outstanding management of their urban forests. The City of Delphi was one of 14 to be awarded a Growth Award, which exemplifies a higher standard of excellence for urban forestry management activities.

"In 2007, Indiana's 61 Tree Cities planted over 10,938 trees, removed 6,269, and pruned 19,296," state forester John Seifert said. "These municipalities are to be commended for utilizing the urban forest as a tool to enhance economic development, environmental health and quality of life in their communities."

To achieve Tree City USA status, communities must draft and pass a public tree-care ordinance, designate a municipal department and tree advisory committee, spend at least $2 per capita on their tree-care program, and have an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

"Becoming and remaining a Tree City is not an easy task," state community and urban forestry coordinator Pam Louks said. "Since 2004, we have lost two Tree Cities each year. Out of the 568 cities and towns in the state, these 61 are truly unique in that they are making a concentrated effort to care for their urban forest, which cleans the air we breathe and the water we drink."

Tree City and Growth Award communities will be formally recognized by DoF staff during this month and next at Arbor Day ceremonies throughout the state. The National Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters sponsor the program, which now includes 3,216 Tree Cities nationally with 503 receiving the Growth Award.

For more information on urban forestry or how to become a Tree City USA, contact the CUF office at (317) 915- 9390 or online at urbanforestry@ dnr.IN.gov.