Columbus Air Force Base receives the Tree City USA award

  • Published
  • Courtesy Mississippi Urban Forest Council
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. was awarded the Tree City USA certification by the Mississippi Urban Forest Council. Columbus Air Force Base is one of only 29 sites in the state qualifying for the recognition. This is the 18 year that the base has received the title. Columbus Air Force Base is recognized state-wide for its outstanding work in urban forestry by the Mississippi Forestry Commission and the Mississippi Urban Forest Council.

The Mississippi Urban Forest Council provides a variety of educational programs and training for communities interested in becoming a Tree City USA.

Tree City USA is awarded to those sites that fulfill four requirements. These include: a tree board or forestry department, a tree ordinance, an urban forest management program supported by a minimum budget of $2 per capita and a observance and proclamation of Arbor Day.

"We commend our Mississippi communities and other sites for exceptional efforts to obtain the national Tree City USA recognition. Trees play a vital role in creating quality throughout our state. Trees provide many benefits we all take for granted, including economic enhancements, social and environmental benefits, and aesthetic value. Trees process storm water and reduce flooding, while providing shade during southern summers and reduce energy costs as well as improving property values and quality of life." Donna Yowell, Executive Director of the Mississippi Urban Forest Council.

The Mississippi Urban Forest Council is a statewide nonprofit organization assisting communities with implementing local tree programs. The council offers a variety of programs to educate volunteers and citizens on every aspect of community forestry and provides assistance with local projects and resources.

For more information on community and urban forestry in Mississippi contact the Mississippi Urban Forest Council, executive director, Donna Yowell, (601) 672.0755 or dyowell@aol.com, web site: www.msurbanforest.com.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Mississippi Forestry Commission and National Arbor Day Foundation and administered in the state by the Mississippi Urban Forest Council.