“The importance of Hamilton’s continuing designation as a Tree City USA is threefold: it highlights the work of our Tree Board in continuing to add trees to our urban forest, it acknowledges the work of the many volunteers who help to preserve the beauty of the Hamilton tree canopy, and it recognizes the city’s investment in tree care,” said Doris Bergen, chairwoman of Hamilton’s Tree Board.
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.
Cities must meet four standards to receive this designation: Tree City USA communities must have a tree board or department; a tree-care ordinance; a community forestry program with annual expenditures of at least $2 per capita; and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
Communities earning the Tree City USA recognition they know that trees:
Promote healthier communities by filtering the air people breathe by removing dust and other particles; moderating climate, conserving water and providing vital habitat for wildlife; reducing the heat island effect in urban areas caused by pavement and buildings; and reducing energy usage and increasing property values.
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