First Posted: 9/6/2013
West Pittston has been named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation to honor its community forest.
It is the 10th year West Pittston has received this national recognition.
West Pittston is also the recipient of a Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating progress in its community forestry program in the following activity areas: education and public relations, publicity, partnerships and external funding.
The Growth Award recognizes environmental improvement and higher levels of tree care in Tree City USA communities.
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.
West Pittston has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance.
“The trees we plant and care for today will cool and beautify our communities, increase property values, help clean the air and water and conserve energy for years to come,” said John Rosenow, president of the National Arbor Day Foundation. “An effective community forestry program is an ongoing process of renewal and improvement program of tree planting and care that continues through the years. The Tree City USA award is an excellent indication that there is a solid foundation for that process of improvement.”