Minnesota DNR reports 111 Tree City USA communities in the state this year

Minnesota is home to 111 Tree City USA communities this year, the most in a century, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Notable recognitions include the city of Wyoming, the state’s newest entrant into the Tree City USA program, and the city of Eden Prairie, which has been designated a Sterling Tree City USA for 10 consecutive years of tree care leadership and public engagement.  Tree City USA communities around our KAUS listening area include Austin, Albert Lea, Dodge Center, Faribault, Lanesboro, Mankato, Mantorville, Owatonna, Preston and Rochester.

Cities and towns achieve Tree City USA status by meeting four core standards of sound urban forestry management: maintaining a tree board or department; having a community tree ordinance; spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry; and celebrating Arbor Day – which is Friday, April 30.

Tree City USA is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and the U.S. Forest Service. Through education and technical assistance, the DNR helps Minnesota communities meet Tree City USA standards.