Arbor Day Foundation names Lincoln Tree City USA for 13th consecutive year

[March 07, 2015]  LINCOLN - Lincoln, Illinois was named a 2014 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. This is the 13th consecutive year that Lincoln has achieved this honor.

Lincoln earned Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

“Everyone benefits when elected officials, City employees, volunteers, and committed citizens in communities like Lincoln make smart investments in urban forests,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods along with numerous economic, social, and environmental benefits.”

Cleaner air, improved storm water management and energy savings, and increased property values and commercial activity are among the benefits enjoyed by the Tree City communities.

More information on the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.

About the Arbor Day Foundation” The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information is available at www.arborday.org.

[Mayor Keith Snyder, City of Lincoln]