Fort Bragg wins growth award for community forestry program

FORT BRAGG, N.C. - For the second year in a row, Fort Bragg has won the Tree City USA Growth Award for its outstanding community forestry program. The prestigious award, given by the National Arbor Day Foundation, recognizes Tree City USA communities that demonstrate environmental improvement and superior tree care. Fort Bragg was recognized for demonstrating progress in the following areas of its community forestry program: Education and public relations Continuing education for tree workers Continuing education for tree managers Tree planting and maintenance Recycling Street tree pruning Fort Bragg has been named a Tree City USA community for the fourth year in a row, having maintained its title since 2005. "We are grateful that the National Arbor Day Foundation recognizes the work we are doing here on the installation to become and maintain a sustainable community that values the contributions our trees make to our health and well-being. And we are only just beginning to fully incorporate our trees into our infrastructure." said Julia Love, Fort Bragg sustainable land use planner/urban forester. In order to be labeled a Tree City USA, applicants must maintain a tree board or department, adhere to a tree care ordinance and comprehensive community forestry program and formally observe Arbor Day. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. For more information on Fort Bragg's award or the urban forestry program, contact Julia Love at 396-6386 or julia.love@us.army.mil.