News Photo by Reagan Voetberg On Friday, City of Alpena employees are seen hanging a Tree City USA flag in front of City Hall. The National Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program recognizes community forestry programs.

ALPENA — The National Arbor Day Foundation named Alpena Tree City USA for the 26th year, according to a recent press release from the city. Alpena is one of many Michigan cities that have met the necessary standards by which the National Arbor Day Foundation chooses cities to bestow that title to.

The National Arbor Day Foundation states that the Tree City USA program has been around since 1976, and supports cities and leaders who are committed to creating a “greener” environment for their citizens.

Tree City USA is also a program that recognizes the efforts of elected officials, city staff, and community members who plant and care for trees in the city, according to the press release. Community forestry programs improve the aesthetics of a community, increase property values, contribute to cleaning the air and water, while also conserving energy.

The press release explains that to receive a Tree City USA designation, Alpena met four of the required standards set by the National Arbor Day Foundation. These standards include: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a community forestry program, and an Arbor Day proclamation.

“(Alpena) is very proud of (its) continued designation as a tree city,” said Steve Shultz, city engineer. “It is a testament to the efforts by many city staff to not just plant trees, but to maintain, trim, remove when necessary, and to plan for future opportunities.”

The press release states that the Tree City USA designation is an indication that Alpena has a strong foundation for community forestry.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced on April 17, in a press release, 131 Michigan cities have received the Tree City USA designation, recognizing their work to promote and care for community trees.

Not only have Michigan cities received this national designation, but the DNR states that 10 colleges and seven healthcare campuses have also received a Tree City USA designation.

The DNR explains that the Tree City USA designation further illustrates a community’s commitment to maintaining an urban forest and that this recognition is a culmination of many years of hard work that benefits current and future community members. The DNR also states that the Tree City USA program represents the continued importance of celebrating the work communities do to maintain their community forestry programs.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.