Tree City USA: Boone

plants roots for

Arbor Day event
By Frank Ruggiero
ruggiero@wataugademocrat.com

Boone likes trees.

The National Arbor Day Foundation likes cities that like trees.

Needless to say, Boone mayor Loretta Clawson likes the town’s consistent designation as a Tree City USA, along with receiving the Tree City USA Growth Award, both for 2007.

Boone has been named a Tree City USA for 15 consecutive years, a designation offered to municipalities that foster a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance.

The town has received the Growth Award for four consecutive years and, according to the Arbor Day Foundation, recipients must demonstrate progress in community forestry in education and public relations, local awards, planning and management, improved ordinance, and standards and specifications.

“The prestigious Growth Award recognizes environmental improvement and higher levels of tree care in Tree USA communities,” an Arbor Day Foundation press release reads.

Clawson was pleased with the designation and award, though not necessarily surprised.

“This shows the town of Boone’s commitment to trees, which I’ve always been a big advocate of,” she said.
“I’m just thrilled that we continue to be the type of city that recognizes the need for trees.”

Tree City USA is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

“Trees in our cities and towns help clean the air, conserve soil and water, moderate temperature and bring nature in our daily lives,” said John Rosenow, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation, in a press release.

“Tree City USA designation recognizes the work of elected officials, staff and citizens, who plant and care for the community forest.

“Trees are a vital component of the infrastructure in our cities and towns and provide environmental and economical benefits.

“A community and its citizens that recognize these benefits and provide needed care for its trees deserves recognition and thanks.”

Clawson will accept the recognition and thanks at the town’s annual Arbor Day celebration, scheduled for May 9. During the celebration, forest ranger Rudy Johnson will present the awards, followed by Boone Development Services’ presentation of the Tree Conservation Award.

Urban design specialist Brian Johnson said the candidate pool for the local award has been narrowed down to a couple developments.

As per custom, there will also be a tree-car demonstration and then a tree-planting ceremony. Clawson will also read the town’s Tree City USA proclamation.

For more information, call Boone Town Hall at (828) 262-4530 or Brian Johnson at (828) 262-4540.