Arbor Day Foundation names Wisconsin Rapids Tree City USA

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The City of Wisconsin Rapids has been named a 2020 Tree City USA® by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.

Wisconsin Rapids 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. "The trees being planted and cared for by Wisconsin Rapids are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy to a better quality of life. Additionally, participation in this program brings residents together and creates a sense of civic pride, whether it's through volunteer engagement or public education."

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, communities worldwide are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being, energy use, and protection from extreme heat and flooding. The Arbor Day Foundation recently launched the Time for Trees initiative to address these issues, with unprecedented goals of planting 100 million trees in forests and communities and inspiring 5 million tree planters by 2022. With Tree City USA recognition, Wisconsin Rapids has demonstrated a commitment to effective urban forest management and doing its part to help address these challenges for Wisconsin Rapids residents now and in the future.

“Natural resources create beauty and recreation opportunities to residents and visitors, alike. The City’s urban canopy, wooded trails and lush neighborhoods show what an impact trees make in a community. The Tree City USA designation is a symbol of our Park & Recreation Department’s dedication to natural resources and the public’s support of forest sustainability. Thank you to everyone who played a part in securing this designation for another year,” said Mayor Shane Blaser.
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More information on the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.