The City of Alcoa announced it is being recognized by the non-profit Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA community for its commitment to urban forestry.

It is the twenty-third year Alcoa has earned this national designation.

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.

Alcoa has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community. Tree City USA communities must have a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

“We commend Alcoa’s elected officials, volunteers and its citizens for providing vital care for the urban forest,” said John Rosenow, chief executive and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees provide numerous environmental, economical and health benefits to millions of people each day, and we applaud communities that make planting and caring for trees a top priority.”

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 and buildings.
• Increase property values and reduce energy use and add beauty to our homes and neighborhoods.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a non-profit, environmental and education organization of nearly one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees.

More information about Tree City USA and the Arbor Day Foundation can be found at www.arborday.org.