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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 01 12 Informational 106 Winter Springs Named Sterling CommunitiesCOMMISSION AGENDA ITEM 106 Consent Informational X Public Hearing Regular C._= January 12, 2009 Regular Meeting Mgr• / ~, ept. Authorization REQUEST: Community Development Department, Arbor Division, informing the City Commission regarding Winter Springs being named as one of only 186 `Sterling Communities' by the National Arbor Day Foundation, Tree City USA Program. PURPOSE: The purpose of this item is to inform the City Commission regarding Winter Springs being awarded the coveted Sterling Communities Award by the National Arbor Day Foundation. CONSIDERATIONS: Each year qualified local governments around the country have an opportunity to participate in the National Arbor Day Foundation's `Tree City USA' Program. Tree City USA benefits cities and local governments in six (6) general ways, as summarized below: • Provides initial direction for an urban forestry program. • Education of Citizens is facilitated and promoted. • Improved public image and increased pride in the community. • Financial assistance advantages are secured through increased opportunity. • Publicity opportunities are created in surrounding municipalities. To participate in the Tree City USA Program, four standards must be met to qualify for award, listed as follows: (1) the applicant shall have a Tree Board or Department, (2) the applicant shall have a Tree Care or Arbor Ordinance, (3) the applicant shall have a Community Forestry Program and (4) the applicant shall hold an Arbor Day Celebration and Proclamation Ceremony. 011209 COMM_Informational_106_SterlingCommunities_Award The Tree City USA `Growth Award' is given to communities that go beyond the four standards of Tree City USA and accumulate points from specific projects that demonstrate improvement and growth of local tree care. As Tree City USA begins its second quarter-century of serving America, The National Arbor Day Foundation is pleased to announce the Sterling Communities Award. A community wins this award after participating in the Tree City USA Growth Award program for 10 years and has met stringent qualification criteria each consecutive year. National Arbor Day Foundation `Sterling Communities' Nationwide (186) - By Year Year Total # of Stertlins; Communities in the USA 2000 27 Communities 2001 20 Communities 2002 25 Communities 2003 16 Communities 2004 28 Communities 2005 23 Communities 2006 27 Communities 2007 20 Communities (including Winter Springs) Sterling Communities in Florida (12) • Miami Springs • Coral Springs • Windermere • Gainesville • Lantana • Orlando • Plantation • St. Augustine • Winter Park • Deerfield Beach • North Miami • Winter Springs Staff is honored to announce that Winter Springs has been named one of the few coveted Tree City USA -Sterling Communities beginning with the 2007 Award Cycle, published December 2008 by the National Arbor Foundation. COMMISSION ACTION: 2