City reaffirms commitment to Tree City USA initiative

In a renewed effort to enhance urban forestry and community pride, the city of Victoria is moving to re-establish its designation with Tree City USA, a national program dedicated to helping communities build tree management programs. The Arbor Day Foundation established Tree City USA in 1976 with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. Today, the program includes more than 3,600 communities from all 50 states.

During a Parks Commission meeting Tuesday, the director of Victoria Parks and Recreation Commission, Lisa Wube, highlighted several key goals for the community to meet Tree City USA standards. “We want to make sure there is tree care education, grant opportunities as well as increased brand awareness and community pride,” Wube said. To achieve Tree City USA designation, the city must meet four specific standards: Establish a tree board, implement a tree care ordinance, develop a community forestry program and celebrate an annual Arbor Day, Wube said.



Sign up to get our free daily email of the biggest stories! Becoming a part of Tree City USA comes with a large host of benefits, Wube said. “The social component is to enhance community esthetics and promote physical and mental well-being, and we want to improve our air quality, which reduces the heat and manages the storm water,” Wube said. “Lastly, we want to increase our property values and attract tourists,” she said.

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved serving in a dual capacity as the commission and the Tree Board during the Tuesday meeting. For Victoria to receive Tree City USA designation, the city council must approve an ordinance that allows parks and recreation to begin the application process. The Tree City USA designation will help show how much the city is cared for, Wube said.

“It’s such a highlight when someone drives into your community and sees these signs. It really shows that we care about our community,” she said..