Kingsport Celebrates 30th Arbor Day
KINGSPORT ‚¬‚ Vice Mayor McIntire will issue a proclamation declaring Kingsports 30th Arbor Day Celebration at noon on Friday, March 4, 2016 at John Sevier Middle School. David Arnold from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry will also present an Arbor Day proclamation celebrating 30 consecutive years for Kingsport.
Kingsport is not only commemorating its 30th Arbor Day, but also celebrating a Level II Arboretum Certification. The Arboretum Certification is coordinated through the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council with support from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. The program standards help to encourage public education of the importance of trees and the different species. Level II requirements include labeling over 60 different tree species, a map available to the public showing the locations of tree species and exemplifying proper tree management practices.
Annually, Kingsports Streets and Sanitation Department maintains over 10,000 trees and plants, more than 300 shrubs and 100 new trees through City funding, grants and partnerships such as the Keep Kingsport Beautiful Tree Fund.
The Department also removes damaged or deceased trees on public lands, while annually providing upkeep of 19 park facilities, more than 12 acres of landscaping and 827 acres of green space.
The City of Kingsport has always strived to be a leader in the proper management of its urban forest, Landscape Specialist Lewis Bausell said. The urban forest and our trees in general are important parts of making Kingsport a great place to live.
After the proclamations, Kingsport will be presented with a Tree City USA flag and be recognized as a Tree City USA for the 30th consecutive year. The program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation, the National Association of State Foresters, USDA Forest Service and the Tennessee Division of Forestry.
To receive the Tree City USA designation, Kingsport maintains a tree advisory board, tree care ordinance, community forestry program and annually celebrates Arbor Day.
Kingsports Arbor Day celebration is a partnership of Domtar, City of Kingsport, Kingsport Tree Advisory Board and Keep Kingsport Beautiful.