Tree City USA Designation For Howell

Howell Township for the 15th straight year has been designated a Tree City USA by the national Arbor Day Foundation.

Honoring the township's commitment to effective urban forest management, the foundation gives the designation to towns that follow four criteria:

* Tree board or department
* A tree care ordinance
* An annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita
* 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.

Cleaner air, improved storm water management, energy savings and
increased property values and commercial activity are among the
benefits enjoyed by Tree City USA communities, according to a release.