The City of West Plains was named a 2018 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.
West Plains achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: 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.
“Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first hand,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”
“Since 2011 we have maintained the Tree City USA designation. We look forward to our Arbor Day event this fall,” Mayor Jack Pahlmann stated.
Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.