The City of Hattiesburg was awarded the Tree City USA certification for 2016 by the Mississippi Urban Forest Council at the recent statewide forestry conference. Hattiesburg is one of the cities in the state qualifying for the recognition. This is the 24th year that Hattiesburg has received the title and recognized state-wide for its outstanding work in urban forestry by the Mississippi Forestry Commission and the Mississippi Urban Forest Council. Tree City USA is awarded to those sites that fulfill four requirements. These include: a tree board or forestry department, a tree ordinance, an urban forest management program supported by a minimum budget of $2 per capita and a observance and proclamation of Arbor Day.
“We commend our Mississippi communities and other sites that strive for exceptional efforts to obtain the national Tree City USA recognition. Trees play a vital role in creating quality throughout our state. Trees provide many benefits we all take for granted, including economic enhancements, social and environmental benefits, and aesthetic value. Trees process storm water and reduce flooding, while providing shade during southern summers and reduce energy costs as well as improving property values and quality of life.” Donna Yowell, Executive Director of the Mississippi Urban Forest Council.
The Mississippi Urban Forest Council is a statewide nonprofit organization assisting communities with implementing local tree programs. The council offers a variety of programs to educate volunteers and community leaders on every aspect of community forestry and provides assistance with grants for local projects.
For more information on community and urban forestry in Mississippi contact the Mississippi Urban Forest Council, executive director, Donna Yowell, (601) 672.0755 or dyowell@aol.com, web site: www.msurbanforest.com.
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Mississippi Forestry Commission and National Arbor Day Foundation and the Mississippi Urban Forest Council.
