Arbor Day Foundation confers the honor
The Arbor Day Foundation recently named Sarasota County a Tree City USA community for the 25th consecutive year, an achievement that demonstrates the county’s continued commitment to positive environmental stewardship, the county has announced.
“Celebrating the 25th year of Tree City USA is a significant accomplishment and reflects the dedication and commitment of county staff, leadership and the community in managing a resource that improves our quality of life now and for generations to come,” said Sarasota County Environmental Protection Manager Rachel Herman in a news release.
To earn the Tree City USA designation, a community must have the following in place, the release explains:
- An advisory board or department focused on trees, such as the Sarasota County Tree Advisory Council.
- A tree ordinance.
- A community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita.
- An Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
For 25 years, Sarasota County has committed to each of these items and more, including education and outreach, planting projects, canopy planning, “and ensuring that professional staff stays current on advancements in tree care and canopy management, the release adds.
In 2014, Sarasota County also received a growth award from the Arbor Day Foundation for participating in a community-wide tree event, updating standards and specifications, and creating a rugose spiraling whitefly integrated pest management program, the release points out.
For more information on what it means to be a Tree City USA community, visit this link.
For more information on Sarasota County tree protection programs, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 861-5000 or visit www.scgov.net.