DATE: April 9, 2008

CONTACTS: Robert Reid, City Forester
(reid@ci.monterey.ca.us)

PHONE: 831.641.3860

RELEASE: Immediate

Monterey Named Tree City USA

Monterey has been named a Tree City USA by The National Arbor Day Foundation.  It is the 27th year Monterey has received this national recognition.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by The National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.

To become a Tree City USA, a community must meet four standards:  a tree board or department, a city tree ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance.  Monterey currently spends $1,073,364 on Urban Forestry programs, or about $36 per citizen.

"Trees make a world of difference in our communities,” John Rosenow, The National Arbor Day Foundation’s president, said.  “Trees have long been recognized for the beauty and value they lend to homes, neighborhoods, parks and business areas.  At the same time, those trees conserve energy, help clean the air, protect rivers and streams, and provide a home for wildlife in our towns and cities.”

"An effective community forestry program is an ongoing process of renewal and improvement--a program of tree planting and care that continues through the years," Rosenow said.  "The Tree City USA award is an excellent indication that there is a solid foundation for that process of improvement."

The City Council will receive the award at their April 15, 2008 meeting.

- 30 -