The City of 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. Hot Springs 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 moving, tree pruning and the removal of damaged or danger-posing trees in public rights-of-way. 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 storm water 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,” said John Rosenow, founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits.” More information on the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.
About Arbor Day Foundation
The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information is available at arborday.org.