Malmstrom receives Tree City USA recertification Published Dec. 17, 2009 By Valerie Mullett 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Malmstrom has earned Tree City USA recertification for the 16th consecutive year. Tree City USA is a program that started in 1976 as a Bicentennial project sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, according to Rudy Verzuh, environmental engineer with the 341st Civil Engineer Squadron. The program was designed to recognize towns and cities throughout the country that develop comprehensive urban forestry programs, he added. In order to become designated as a Tree City USA, four standards must be met. The standards were established by the National Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters and they include: · Establishing a tree board or department; · Maintaining a tree care ordinance; · Having a comprehensive community forestry program; and · Issuing an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. These standards ensure that every qualifying community has a viable tree management plan and program, and were designed so that no community would be excluded because of size, according to officials at the National Arbor Day Foundation. At Malmstrom, the Environmental Safety and Occupational Health Council chaired by the vice wing commander, serves as the tree board, Mr. Verzuh explained. "The ESOH Council meets quarterly, has representatives from all of the groups and squadrons on base, and discusses policy and programs relating to all environmental issues," said Mr. Verzuh. Landscaping standards are part of Malmstrom's General Plan - a leadership tool outlining goals, standards and limitations for future work on the installation - and they serve as the second certification requirement. They also stipulate the types and kinds of trees that meet the criteria for this area, such as aesthetics, water requirements and suitability to the climate. "Our community forestry program includes the irrigation and maintenance of existing trees and landscaping, as well as introducing new ones," said Mr. Verzuh. Last year, more than 300 new trees were planted at a cost of more than $175,000, well over the $2 per capital minimum required for the Tree City USA award, he said. These costs are figured into the overall price of construction projects and planting takes place in conjunction with them, according to Mr. Verzuh. The final requirement is attained through support of the wing commander by his issuance of a proclamation each year, and by scheduling an observance for Arbor Day. This years Arbor Day/Earth Day celebration took place April 25 at MSU Great Falls College of Technology. For more information about the Tree City USA program, go to the National Arbor Day Foundation Web site at www.arborday.org.