Tree City USA
Kansas Tree City USA Program
Tree City USA is a program that is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation and administered by the Kansas Forest Service for all Kansas Cities. A Tree City USA community is a town or city that is recognized for their community forestry practices and contributions to the community's tree canopy.
The first step in becoming a Tree City USA community is connecting with your Kansas Forest Service District Community Forester.
To qualify to be a Tree City USA community the city or town must follow four program standards:
1. A Tree Board or Department - The community has a board, commission or department with legal responsibility for the care of public trees and authority to develop and administer a community tree management program.
2. A Community Tree Ordinance - A municipal tree ordinance regulates and establishes authority for tree planting, maintenance, protection and removal.
3. A Community Forestry Budget of at least $2 per Capita - Evidence is required that the community has established a community forestry program that is supported by an annual budget of at least $2 per capita. The budget should address the needs of species diversity, planting and removal needs, hazardous trees, insect and disease problems, and regular tree care such as pruning and watering.
4. An Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation - The community issues a mayoral (or equivalent) Arbor Day proclamation and sponsors or participates in an Arbor Day observance.
There are more recognition opportunities other than Tree City USA recognition. There are Tree Campus, Tree Line, and Tree Healthcare. These programs continue the themes of Tree City USA but offer an opportunity for differing entities.