Tree City USA

From left, John Pike, 377th Civil Engineer Division; Rick Farrin, 377th Force Support Squadron and Lawrence Crane, New Mexico State Forestry Division plant a Modesto Ash March 14 at the southwest side of the Mountain View Club in recognition of Kirtland attaining Tree City status through the Arbor Day Foundation. Kirtland has achieved that national designation for the past 15 years. (Photo by Dennis Carlson)

Kirtland earns Tree City USA status, plants new tree

Published March 18, 2014
By 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Kirtland achieved Tree City USA status and received a new tree in celebration of Arbor Day.

A new Modesto Ash was planted March 14 at the southwest side of the Mountain View Club in recognition of Kirtland attaining Tree City status through the Arbor Day Foundation. Kirtland has achieved that national designation for the past 15 years.

Tree City is a national program that provides the structure for community forestry management for cities and towns across America. To qualify as a Tree City you must reach four standards: have a tree board or department, have a tree care ordinance, have a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita, and host an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

Arbor Day is an annual observance where communities are encouraged to plant and care for trees.

"Arbor Day is celebrated in April nationally, but in New Mexico it is celebrated in March," said Laura Rife, base community planner. "March is a better planting season in this state."