Date:

April 22, 2005

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831

Steve Schwab, City Arborist, 441-7035

For the 28th consecutive year, Lincoln has been named a “Tree City USA” by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Lincoln also is the recipient of a “Tree City USA Growth Award” for demonstrating progress in its community forestry program. The Growth Award was created to recognize environmental improvement and higher levels of tree care in Tree City USA communities.

“Lincoln takes great pride in our beautiful trees,” said Mayor Coleen J. Seng. “The trees we plant and nurture today make our city beautiful for generations to come, help clean the air and water, help conserve energy and add to quality of life.”

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. To become a “Tree City USA,” a community must meet four standards – an existing tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance. Mayor Seng will sign a proclamation at a public Arbor Day observance at 10 a.m. Monday, April 25 at Pentzer Park, 27th and Potter streets.

“An effective community forestry program is an ongoing process of renewal and improvement – a program of tree planting and care that continues through the years,” said John Rosenow, President of the National Arbor Day Foundation. “The Tree City USA award is an excellent indication that there is a solid foundation for that process of improvement.”