City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: June 3, 2025
From: Daniel S. Wall, P.E., Director of Public Works
Department: Public Works
Submitted by: Cynthia Cano, Administrative Secretary
Subject
Application for 2025 Tree City USA
Recommendation
Authorize the Mayor to sign and the Public Works Department to submit a 2025 Tree City USA Application to the Arbor Day Foundation for Vernon to be Certified as a 2025 Tree City USA.
Background
The Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, administers the Tree City USA program to recognize municipalities that demonstrate excellence in urban forestry management. Vernon is seeking this prestigious recognition for the sixth year.
To qualify as a Tree City USA for 2025, a city must meet four core standards:
1. Establish a Tree Board or Department – Completed: Public Works Department is responsible.
2. Adopt a Tree Ordinance – Completed: Ordinance No. 1263.
3. Maintain a Community Forestry Program with a minimum annual budget of $2 per capita – Completed: Vernon’s per capita investment far exceeds the requirement.
4. Proclaim and Observe Arbor Day – To be completed with June 3, 2025 Agenda Item:
Proclamation of June 5, 2025 as Arbor Day in Vernon
Once the City has met all four criteria noted above for this year, the City will be fully eligible to submit an application for certification as a 2025 Tree City USA. The application is typically released in September and must be signed by the Mayor.
Vernon’s Urban Forestry Commitment
The City’s commitment to urban forestry is longstanding and robust. In 2019, the City adopted Ordinance No. 1263, known as the “Tree Ordinance,” which designates the Director of Public Works as responsible for tree management and the care of all City-owned trees.
Key highlights of the City’s tree program include:
• A dedicated annual budget of $100,000 (approximately $500 per capita) for tree planting and maintenance
• Planting over 500 new street trees in calendar year 2025, enhancing the City's green canopy
• Continued expansion and care of Vernon’s urban forest, with a focus on promoting energy conservation, improving air quality, and creating more attractive, shaded, and livable spaces
The City’s efforts to maintain and expand the City’s urban forest continue as trees play a critical role in creating healthier, safer and more connected communities. Trees clean the air, help manage stormwater by absorbing rainfall and filtering pollutants, and provide shade to help cool urban areas. Obtaining recognition as a Tree City USA for the sixth year would showcase the City’s commitment to effective urban forestry and instill a sense of pride in the community.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Attachments
None.