Township Earns Tree City USA Status

Just a few days after local schools celebrated the received a special honor on Monday when the Arbor Day Foundation announced it to once again be a Tree City USA. 

This makes 14 years the township has received this particular designation. "We all benefit when communities like Howell Township place a high priority on planting and caring for trees, one of our nation's most beautiful resources," said Arbor Day Foundation founder and chief executive John Rosenow. 

He said the role that trees play is important to everyone. "Trees shade our homes and add beauty to our neighborhoods, and they also provide many environmental, economic and social benefits. We applaud Howell Township's elected officials, volunteers and citizens for providing vital care for its urban forest.

Tree City USA is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. 

There are four standards needed to earn the designation including a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a community forestry program with annual expenditures of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

Township Manager Helene Schlegel said there has been a concerted effort to help the township reach its goals in the program. "I'd like to thank our Shade Tree Commission for their proactive actions and their commitment to our community resulting in Howell Township receiving this designation."

More information about the Tree City USA Program can be found on their website.