Though this past winter’s storms downed a lot of trees in Morro Bay it didn’t stop the City from again being designated a “Tree City USA” by the National Arbor Day Foundation.
In a letter from the Arbor Day Foundation, the City was notified that it had been named a Tree City USA for 2022 “to honor its commitment to effective urban forest management,” reads the letter.
There are four requirements a city has to meet to get the recognition: maintain a tree board or department; having a tree care ordinance; dedicating an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita; and host an Annual Arbor Day observance and proclamation, according to the letter.
According to San Lambe, CEO of the Arbor Day Foundation, “Tree City USA communities see the positive effects of an urban forest firsthand. The trees being planted and cared for by Morro Bay are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life. Additionally, participation in this program brings residents together and creates a sense of civic pride whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”
Over this past winter, numerous fierce storms downed trees all over town, but especially in Morro Bay State Park. Also, over the past couple of years, the City’s Water Reclamation Facility Project, wrapping up now, saw many trees having to be removed, mainly along the Power Plant Bike Path, for the laying of all the conveyance piping.
The WRF Project plans include replacing those trees, as prescribed by the City Municipal Code.
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, partnering with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation now has over 1 million members and is one of the largest non-profit membership organizations dedicated to planting trees. It has overseen the planting of nearly 500 million trees in neighborhood communities, cities and forests throughout the world. For more information see the website at: arborday.org
