125 Michigan communities certified 'Tree City USA'

5/6/2014
ASSOCIATED PRESS

LANSING, Mich.  — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Arbor Day Foundation have given 125 communities in the state the “Tree City USA” certification for their efforts in 2013.

The DNR announced the awards today. The program promotes proper tree management in urban areas and awareness for the economic, health and aesthetic benefits of trees.

To be eligible a community must have a board or department responsible for tree care, a tree ordinance, at least a $2 per capita budget for tree care, and hold an annual Arbor Day celebration with a proclamation.

The DNR also recertified the Lansing Board of Water and Light and International Transmission Co. through the Tree Line USA program. The University of Michigan, Western Michigan University and Calvin College were certified through the Tree Campus USA program.