The Arbor Day Foundation named Lawrence Township a 2012 Tree City USA for the 17th year.
The foundation honored the township for its commitment to effective urban forest management.
Lawrence earned the recognitions 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.
According to the Arbor Day Foundation, Tree City USA communities have cleaner air, improved storm water management, energy savings and increased property values.
“Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like the Township of Lawrence make smart investments in urban forests”, founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation John Rosenow said, “trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits”.
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
More information on the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.
