News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:	Thursday, May 20, 1999
Contact:	Angelita Plemmer, City Manager's Office, (703) 838-4300; Sandra Whitmore, Director Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, (703) 838-4343

City Recognized for Earth-Friendly Efforts

For the 16th year in a row, the City of Alexandria was recently recognized as a "Tree City USA" community by The National Arbor Day Foundation.

The City, which is celebrating Earth Day on Saturday, May 22, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Chinquapin Park, is nationally known for its earth-friendly efforts. In order to receive the award, a city must have an effective community forestry program, a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance.

"There is a growing appreciation of the importance of trees to the environmental quality and economic vitality of our cities," National Arbor Day Foundation President John Rosenow said. "Citizens and elected officials are realizing that a good tree-care program is a wise investment in the future of their community."

In the City's Fiscal Year 2000 budget, $55,000 is dedicated to the tree planting program. The City also has a cost sharing program in which citizens, who request a tree in the right-of-way near their residence, pay approximately 50 percent of the cost.

In recognition of this honor, the City will receive a plaque, a Tree City USA flag and community entrance signs.

Tree City USA is sponsored in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters, The National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors.