City of Muskegon named a Tree City USA for 2022

April 27, 2023

MUSKEGON, MI (April 27, 2023) – The City of Muskegon is proud and honored to receive the Arbor Day Foundation’s 2022 Tree City USA designation for its commitment to effective urban forest management.

The city also received a Tree City USA Growth Award from the Arbor Day Foundation for its environmental improvement and outstanding level of tree care. The city joins the foundation to celebrate Arbor Day 2023 on Friday April 28.

The Tree City USA recognition comes by meeting four tree program requirements: maintaining a tree department, having a tree care ordinance, dedicating public dollars to an annual forestry budget and observing Arbor Day. Tree City USA communities at least dedicate $2 per capita to a forestry program as the city maintains forestry spending of more than $70,000 annually. Dave Bailey of the city’s Department of Public Works provides forestry services for the city, including the planting of more than 250 trees a year over the past five years.

“The City of Muskegon has a long tradition of supporting Arbor Day’s goals and creating a healthy and vibrant community with urban tree cover,” Mayor Ken Johnson said. “In addition, the Muskegon City Commission recently adopted a climate action resolution reiterating the city’s commitment to combating climate change and improving the environment which is certainly helped by our forestry program.”

Worldwide issues of air quality, water resources, personal health, energy use and climate changes are all improved by significant urban tree cover, according to Arbor Day Foundation executive Dan Lambe. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Lincoln, Neb.-based Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the US. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

“The trees being planted and cared for by Muskegon are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life,” Lambe said. “Additionally, participation in the Tree City USA program brings residents together and creates a sense of civic pride, whether it is through volunteer engagement or public education.”

For more information, contact:
Deborah Sweet
Community engagement manager
231-225-6797
[email protected]