Sarasota County earns Tree City USA designation for 2014
SARASOTA COUNTY – The Arbor Day Foundation recently awarded Sarasota County the “Tree City USA” designation for 2014, based on the county’s demonstration of environmental improvement and higher level of tree care.
Sarasota County achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: having 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.
“Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like Sarasota make smart investments in urban forests,” said Matt Harris,chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits.”
Sarasota County joins more than 3,400 Tree City USA locations, with a population of more than 140 million. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters.
Cleaner air, improved storm water management, energy savings and increased property values are among the benefits enjoyed by Tree City USA communities.
For information on the Tree City USA program, visit www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.
For more information on Sarasota County’s dedication to urban forestry call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000 or visit www.scgov.net.
