LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan communities, college campuses and utilities interested in earning a special designation for protecting trees should apply by the end of the month.
The Arbor Day Foundation sponsors the Tree City, Tree Campus and Tree Line USA programs. In Michigan, the Department of Natural Resources administers them.
Communities that want to be certified as a Tree City USA must have met a number of standards this year.
They include having a board or department responsible for tree management; a public tree ordinance; a tree care program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita; and an Arbor Day observance or formal proclamation.
Last year, 117 communities, two utilities and five campuses in Michigan achieved designations.
Michigan ranks ninth among states in the number of certified communities.
