Agenda #: 5.5
Meeting Date: December 19, 2023
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Daniel Fox, City Manager
TITLE: ARBOR DAY PROCLAMATION.
STRATEGIC
GOAL: Safe, Sustainable & Healthy Community
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Proclamation declaring December 19, 2023 as Arbor Day.
BACKGROUND:
The Arbor Day Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting tree planting and environmental stewardship, issues a proclamation annually to celebrate Arbor Day. This proclamation serves as a rallying call for individuals, communities, and organizations to come together and recognize the importance of trees in sustaining life on Earth. Through this initiative, the Arbor Day Foundation seeks to inspire people to take action, whether by planting trees, participating in community greening projects, or simply appreciating the vital role that trees play in maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem. The proclamation serves as a reminder that each tree planted contributes to a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.
The Tree City USA program, sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, encourages communities to manage and care for their public trees. To achieve the Tree City USA designation, a city must meet four core standards:
1. Tree Board or Department:
• Establish a city tree board or department responsible for the care and management of public trees.
2. Tree Care Ordinance:
• Adopt and maintain a community tree ordinance.
3. Community Forestry Program with a Budget:
• Allocate financial resources for a community forestry program.
4. Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation:
• Celebrate Arbor Day by holding an official observance and proclamation.
The event should involve the community and demonstrate a commitment to tree planting and care.
Cities that meet these standards annually receive the Tree City USA designation, acknowledging their dedication to effective urban forest management. The program aims to promote the numerous benefits of trees, such as improved air and water quality, reduced energy consumption, and enhanced quality of life for residents.
The City of Diamond Bar is once more pursuing re-certification as a Tree City USA. This prestigious award is bestowed upon cities that demonstrate a sincere and dynamic commitment to fostering the preservation of our natural habitat and trees. Since 2001, the City has consistently earned this recognition annually, underscoring its enduring dedication to environmental stewardship and tree care.
Attached is a proclamation naming December 19, 2023 as “Arbor Day”.
PREPARED BY:
REVIEWED BY:
Attachments:
1. 5.5.a Arbor Day Proclamation 12-19-23