VILLAGE RECEIVES TREE AWARDS/GRANT FUNDS

The Forestry Division of the Mount Prospect Public Works Department recently received two pieces of good news. First, the National Arbor Day Foundation announced that Mount Prospect is again the recipient of the Tree City USA Award for the ninth consecutive year, as well as the recipient of the Growth Award for the second year. The Foundation is a non-profit organization devoted to the planting and care of trees throughout the country. Communities qualify for the Tree City USA Award by meeting four standards: a tree board or department; a community tree ordinance; a comprehensive forestry program; and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

The Growth Award is granted to communities in recognition of achievement and improvement in an existing forestry program. Mount Prospect was granted this award in recognition of two major projects done in 1993 — completion of a computerized street tree inventory and preparation of a long-term management plan for those trees.

The other good news came from the Illinois Department of Conservation, which sent word that Mount Prospect will receive a $10,000 Urban Forestry Assistance grant. This grant will be coupled with local funds to institute a formal tree hazard evaluation program. According to Forestry Superintendent Sandy dark, the Village will hire a consultant to conduct risk assessments on large trees of several species, including Cottonwoods, Boxelders, and Siberian Elms. Depending on the results, the trees will then be scheduled for pruning, installation of supportive cables, or removal if required. "This program will help us meet our goal of keeping our parkway trees in a healthy, safe condition," said Clark.

Page 22 / Illinois Municipal Review / May 1994