Tree City USA Participation by Shenandoah RC&D Communities

This project was completed in FY 05.  The Shenandoah RC&D provided technical assistance to local governments to encourage their enrollment in the National Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program.  This important environmental program recognizes the commitment of local communities to ensure appropriate trees are planted and managed as part of their landscape.  Initially the Shenandoah RC&D targeted the county seats of Woodstock, Harrisonburg, and Berryville that were not Tree Cities. This past FY the Council has:

• Met with town and city planners to encourage adoption of this program and sent letters of support to appropriate Council members when ordinances have come up for approval.
• Assisted Woodstock and Harrisonburg with their Tree Care Ordinances, one of four requirements for Tree City status. 
• Woodstock and Harrisonburg have both applied for Tree City status and both had official Arbor Day events spring 2005.
• Berryville’s Town Council has agreed to pursue Tree City status and is moving forward.

Committee Assigned to:  Open Space Conservation