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Riverton was recently named as a Tree City USA for its 13th time by the Arbor Day Foundation. The city again achieved this designation for its commitment to effective urban forestry management. Having planted 230 trees during the last year, the city now has an estimated 5,000 trees in parks and on public property alone.
“Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first hand,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Additionally, recognition brings together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”
To qualify for the designation, a city must have a tree care ordinance, operate a tree board or department, allocate an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and have an Arbor Day observance and proclamation; all requirements Riverton meets or exceeds.
City officials budget for new trees and tree maintenance each fiscal year. This city’s urban forester and ISA certified arborist, Patrick “Roman” Williams, oversees tree maintenance and new plantings.
“We really work hard in Riverton to be a city that loves trees,” said Williams. “Our efforts with tree maintenance and plantings year after year are continually making Riverton a more desirable place to live. Urban forestry comes with many benefits, including cleaner air, increased property values, visual appeal, and wildlife habitat to name a few.”
Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs issued an official proclamation declaring April 27, 2018, as Arbor Day in the city. In his proclamation, Staggs noted that the city’s desires to continue its tree-planting practices which led to the Tree City USA recognition, as well as to ensure an enduring heritage for future generations.
An Arbor Day tree planting seminar will be held on Saturday, April 28, at Swensen Farm Park (12059 Swenson Farm Dr, Riverton) at 9 a.m. A live planting demonstration will take place and the city’s urban forester will be on-hand to answer questions about growing healthy trees. Additionally, Arbor Day Nursery has provided a tree that will be given away at the event. The seminar is free and open to all interested.
Published April 20, 2018
Press / Media Contact:
pio@rivertonutah.gov
801-208-3189