NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
April 29, 2004

HARRISBURG RECEIVES ‘GROWTH AWARD’, AND NAMED TREE CITY USA FOR SEVENTEENTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR 100 NEW TREE PLANTINGS MARK CITY ARBOR DAY OBSERVANCES

Harrisburg, PA—Mayor Stephen R. Reed and Acting State Forester Edward T. Dix of the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources today helped mark the city’s designation for the seventeenth consecutive year as a Tree City USA by planting seventeen new trees in Reservoir Park, and announcing plans for the planting of another one hundred trees in various city neighborhoods. The planting project was part of the city’s annual observances of National Arbor Day, whose governing body, the National Arbor Day Foundation, also presented the city with its prestigious ‘Growth Award’.

The Mayor also announced plans to plant one hundred new trees in various city neighborhoods, parks and open spaces in 2004. A $20,000 city-matched Urban and Community Forestry Council Inner City Grant was secured from the state Bureau of Forestry to pay for the new plantings. Areas slated to receive the new trees, some of which will be used to replace dying or previously removed trees, include Summit Terrace, South Allison Hill, Central Allison Hill, Wilson Taylor Parkway, the Market Place Townhomes, Capitol Heights neighborhood, and Riverfront, Morrison and Reservoir Parks.

Reed said Reservoir Park was selected as the site for today’s commemoration because of the significant amount of upgrades occurring there. In early 2001, the city opened the National Civil War Museum at the park’s apex, has recently concluded work on two new water reservoirs, undertaken the complete redesign and construction of new park entranceways, and realized the complete restoration of the historic bandshell, which will once again host a free summer concert series.

Marking the city’s seventeenth consecutive year of being honored as a Tree City USA, Mayor Reed and Acting State Forester Dix helped local volunteers and others plant nine Crimson King Maples and eight October Glory Maples. The new plantings commemorate the city’s seventeenth consecutive Tree City Award, and, in conjunction with those planted during last year’s Arbor Day program, will produce a dramatic canopy effect over the roadway as they mature.

In presenting the prestigious Tree City USA award and flag to the city, Mr. Dix noted that in order to receive the honor, the city must meet multiple national standards and be formally nominated by the state Forester’s Office. Considered the highest national honor for conservation and environmental practices, Harrisburg’s seventeenth annual award leads all communities in the tri-county area in consecutive recognitions.

The Mayor also announced that the National Arbor Day Foundation has bestowed its prestigious ‘Growth Award’ upon Harrisburg for its longstanding tree management and maintenance efforts, marking the first time a midstate community has earned the distinctive honor.

The Mayor noted that the city has invested more than $68 million in parks, playgrounds and open spaces as part of the long-term Mayor’s Parks Improvement Program, with much more to come. In addition to the city’s extensive investment in its parks and playgrounds, the Mayor noted that many other tree plantings and open space improvements have also occurred in connection with the many residential, commercial and industrial development projects undertaken in the city.

Reed noted that the city also maintains the largest trained shade tree maintenance staff in the region, which is a unit within the city Department of Parks and Recreation. The city also has an actively-enforced shade tree ordinance that helps to protect, promote and preserve trees.

“Trees cool our streets and buildings, reduce airborne pollution, conserve energy, give off oxygen, beautify open space and give wildlife a home. Their presence enhances and increases property value and beauty,” Reed said. “Lasting for generations, they are literally a connection to our past, and they are a part of the legacy which we shall leave for future residents and visitors.”

The Tree City USA Program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s National Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

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