Hot Springs named Tree City USA

Submitted photo 15TH AWARD: Public Works Street Division Urban Forestry Crew Leader Freddy Padilla, left, Parks and Trails Landscape Superintendent Brian Fisher, Urban Forestry Advisory Committee member Byron Cole Rhodes, Urban Forestry Advisory Committee Chairman Jack Thorp, and Public Works Director Denny McPhate, display the flag sent by the Arbor Day Foundation to commemorate 15 consecutive years of Tree City USA designation. Not pictured are Urban Forestry Advisory Committee members John Simpson and Roger Carter.
Submitted photo 15TH AWARD: Public Works Street Division Urban Forestry Crew Leader Freddy Padilla, left, Parks and Trails Landscape Superintendent Brian Fisher, Urban Forestry Advisory Committee member Byron Cole Rhodes, Urban Forestry Advisory Committee Chairman Jack Thorp, and Public Works Director Denny McPhate, display the flag sent by the Arbor Day Foundation to commemorate 15 consecutive years of Tree City USA designation. Not pictured are Urban Forestry Advisory Committee members John Simpson and Roger Carter.

Hot Springs was recently named a 2014 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.

The city achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements -- a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. This is the 15th consecutive year that Hot Springs has received the honor.

The Public Works Street Division utilizes eight employees to carry out urban forestry activities such as mowing, tree pruning and the removal of damaged trees or trees in public rights of way that pose a danger.

Volunteers on the Urban Forestry Advisory Committee help promote, protect and enhance the beauty, environmental benefits and general welfare of Hot Springs' urban forest in an advisory role for the Hot Springs Board of Directors.

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

"Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like Hot Springs make smart investments in urban forests," John Rosenow, founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation, said in a news release.

"Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits," he said.

Local on 04/26/2015

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