Arbor Day Foundation Names Salem a 2022 Tree City USA®

Mayor Dominick Pangallo today announced that the City of Salem has for 2022, once again, received recognition as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to effective urban forest management.

Salem achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, dedicating an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

“Tree City USA communities see the positive effects of an urban forest firsthand,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “The Trees being planted and cared for by Salem are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life.  Additionally, participation in this program brings residents together and creates a sense of civic pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”

“Salem is committed to our public trees as a critical part of our climate change mitigation strategy, our beautification efforts, and our historic legacy as a green city,” said Mayor Pangallo. “I am so grateful to the work our Tree Commission, our employees and residents, and the many community partners and volunteers who make this important work – and the continuation of our Tree City USA designation – all possible.  In 2021, Salem joined the Greening the Gateway Cities program, allowing 2,400 new trees to be planted on public and private land.  I am proud to report that more than 530 of those trees have already been planted, and we continue to work hard toward that overall goal.  Residents can find out if their property is in the planting zone, by going to https://www.maurbancanopy.org/town/salem/  and typing in their address. Eligible property owners may request a free tree by calling the DCR forester phone number listed on the same page. Together, we can continue to commit to our efforts as a Tree City USA.”

If ever there was a time for trees, now is the time.  Communities worldwide are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being, energy use, and extreme heat and flooding.  Salem is doing its part to address these challenges for residents both now and in the future.

More information about the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting tree, with more than one million members, supporters, and valued partners.  Since 1972, almost 500 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout the world.  Their vision is to lead toward a world where trees are used to solve issues critical to survival.  The Tree City USA program is a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Association of State Foresters.

As one of the world’s largest operating conservation foundations, the Arbor Day Foundation, through its members, partners and programs, educates and engages stakeholders and communities across the globe to involve themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing and celebrating trees.  More information is available at arborday.org.