The city of Lompoc was named a 2016 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its dedication to effective urban forest management. The city also received a Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating environmental improvement and a high level of tree care.
This is the 28th year in a row Lompoc has been named a Tree City. Lompoc has also received a Growth Award every year for 23 years in a row.
“Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community firsthand,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation, in a press release from Lompoc. “Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”
To be considered for Tree City USA recognition, cities must meet four requirements: have 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.
“Our trees are an important part of Lompoc,” said Codie Blea, Lompoc’s urban forestry supervisor, said in the release. “We are looking forward to planting more trees thanks to our recent rain.”
For more info on Tree City USA and the Arbor Day Foundation, visit arborday.org.
This article appears in Mar 16-23, 2017.