City of Freeman Recognized for 17 Years of Tree City USA Status

        The City of Freeman was recently notified of achieving 2021 Tree City USA status. This recognition from the Arbor Day foundation was awarded to Freeman for its commitment to urban forestry.

        Four requirements were documented to be in place in 2021 in order to apply for the Tree City USA designation at the end of the last calendar year: 1) a tree board, 2) a tree-care ordinance, 3) spending of at least $2 per capita for community forestry and 4) an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

        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.

        Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation, notes that Tree City USA communities benefit from the positive effects that an urban tree canopy has year after year. “Trees being planted and cared for by Freeman ensure that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life. Additionally, participation in this program helps cultivate a sense of stewardship and pride for the trees the community plants and cares for.”

        Planting trees in urban spaces comes with multiple benefits, including the reduction of energy consumption, increased property values, and a positive impact on the local ecosystem.

        At the urging of the Lions Club, the City of Freeman first applied for Tree City USA designation for forestry efforts made in 2003. An announcement of the designation was made at Lions Park during Freeman’s 125-year anniversary celebration in June of 2004. Following a recent two-year lapse, 2021 marked 17 years of Tree City USA status for the Freeman community.

        This year’s Arbor Day ceremony, organized by the City of Freeman’s tree board, will take place on Friday, April 29 on the campus of Freeman Public School. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 2:30 PM.  

        Freeman’s tree board is chaired by Steve “Charly” Waltner. The remainder of the board is comprised of Lance Edwards, Cody Fransen, Micah Graber, and Glen Wollman.