Courtesy art

ALPENA – The City of Alpena has been named a Tree City USA community by The National Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to community forestry. It is the 27th year Alpena has received this national recognition.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation, in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest

Service.

The City of Alpena has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community; a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observation and proclamation.

A Tree City USA designation recognizes the work of elected officials, City staff, and citizens who plant and care for the urban forest. This designation is also an excellent indication that the City of Alpena has a solid foundation for community forestry.

National Arbor Day Foundation officials note that an effective community forestry program will cool and beautify a community, increase property values, help clean the

air and water, and conserve energy.

In recognition of Arbor Day on April 24, the City of Alpena will raise the Tree City USA flag at City Hall.