The City of Bellevue was recently named a 2016 Tree City, USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. Bellevue Tree Board members Joanne Langabee and Holly Hofreiter joined State Senator Sue Crawford joined Forest Service Officials to receive the designation at a Tree City, USA Ceremony that was held in April.
Bellevue 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.
"Tree City, USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first hand," said Dan Lambe, President of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it's through volunteer engagement or public education."
Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, among other benefits.
For more information on the program please go to www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA