Merrill was named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forestry management. This is the 27th year Merrill has earned the national designation.
Merrill 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.
In 2012, Merrill planted more than 800 trees, removed over 50 dead trees and pruned another 250.
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
“Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like Merrill make smart investments in urban forests,” said John Rosenow, founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits.”
Cleaner air, improved storm water management, energy savings and increased property values and commercial activity are among the benefits enjoyed by Tree City USA communities.
Arbor Day was founded in 1872 and the Tree City USA program started in 1976. Wisconsin has traditionally been third in the nation for the number of Tree City USA communities. This year, with 190 Tree City USA communities, Wisconsin is now #2 in the nation.
In observance of Arbor Day, Mayor Bill Bialecki issued a proclamation Friday naming May 10, 2013 as Arbor Day in the city of Merrill. Park and Recreation Director Dan Wendorf and his crew planted trees at Normal Park to replace those destroyed by vandals over the winter.