Encinitas Named Tree City USA

Editor's Note: The following news release is from the City of Encinitas.

The City of Encinitas is delighted to announce that it has been named a “Tree City USA” by the national Arbor Day Foundation, in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters. The designation recognizes best practices in utility arboriculture that protect and enhance America’s urban forests. Designees must meet stringent standards, including having a tree department, tree ordinance, community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

This year’s annual Arbor Day Celebration takes place on May 4, 2012 from 10:15-11:15 am at the Public Works Department, 160 Calle Magdalena. The event, which is still in the planning stage, will feature entertainment by local preschoolers, presentation of the Tree City USA plaque, raising of the Tree City USA flag and, of course, a ceremonial tree-planting as well as saplings for the community to take home and plant in their yards. More information will be available in mid-April on the City’s website. 

The Tree City USA designation was pursued by the City’s Public Works Department.  Achieving the recognition is a stated goal of the City Council’s Urban Forest Management Policy. The Policy was created in 2009 to provide for orderly protection of trees, promote residents’ health, safety, welfare and quality of life, protect property values and avoid significant negative impacts on adjacent properties. The Policy states, “Trees are a source of shade, air conditioning and other environmental benefits, and yield both a high quality of life and economic benefits to the community, including enhanced property values.”

According to Street Superintendent Mark Hosford, Encinitas is home to thousands of trees of diverse species. He states, “By assuring preservation and protection through regulations and standards of care, the Policy ensures that trees will continue to contribute to the beauty and value of landscape, streets and parks, and continue to help define Encinitas.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

City Manager Gus Vina states, “Trees throughout our city are another example of a community asset and amenity that we all enjoy.  It is great to see the City of Encinitas recognized as a Tree City USA destination.”

For details on the City’s Urban Forest Management Program can be found online. For more about the Arbor Day Foundation, whose mission statement is “We inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees,” visit their website.