Malmstrom earns 20th Anniversary Tree City USA Award

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katrina Heikkinen
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Col. Marné Deranger, 341st Missile Wing vice commander, was presented the 20th Anniversary Tree City USA Award from Dan Rogers, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation member, during a quarterly Environment, Safety and Occupational Health council meeting on July 1 in the wing conference room.

"This year, Malmstrom received the 20th Anniversary Award," said Jenni Hill, 341st Civil Engineer Squadron conservation program member. "The award recognizes communities for their excellence in urban forestry management."

According to the Arbor Day Foundation's website, Tree City USA is a national program that provides the structure for community forestry management for cities and communities across America. To qualify as a Tree City USA community, four standards must be met: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

"Additionally, a proclamation is signed by the wing commander each year to designate a day in April to celebrate Arbor Day to continue our good environmental stewardship," Hill said. "In 2012, approximately 493 trees were planted to increase the base's tree population to 8,600. It's an honor to be recognized as a Tree City USA community for 20 years."

Malmstrom Air Force Base is one of 3,400 communities in the U.S. that have proven their commitment to care for public trees. Malmstrom continues to maintain the tree city standards thanks to the efforts from the members of the 341st Contracting Squadron, 341st CES, volunteers and many more.