The Columbus Tree Board reignited its mission Friday by partnering with Keep Columbus Beautiful and Pick It Up Possum Town to plant a Drake Elm in front of the pedestrian bridge at The Riverwalk in celebration of Arbor Day.
Chairman Gary Dantico said the new board, established six months ago, is hoping to ramp up its activity in the community, starting with the newly planted tree.
“Ever since the new iteration of the board, (we’ve) been coming back together and refocusing, coordinating closely with the forestry commission and other resources throughout the state to really come up with a program to move forward,” he said.
Part of that program is regaining the city’s Tree City USA certification, a title awarded to communities that have shown a demonstrated commitment to urban forestry. Celebrating Arbor Day, Dantico said, was the first step toward reclaiming the Tree City certification.
Arbor Day is a day set aside for schools, civic organizations and individuals to reflect on the importance of trees. Observing Arbor Day is also one of four requirements cities must fulfill to earn a Tree City USA designation, along with having a community tree ordinance, maintaining a tree board and spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry.
Columbus maintained a Tree City certification for more than 15 years before losing it due to inactivity on the board. Dantico said the board will be reapplying for the designation along with similar awards called Tree Line and Tree Campus, which respectively recognize utility companies and college campuses.
He said recertifying will put the board in a better position to receive grants for urban forestry, beautification and other tree-related projects.
“These recognitions are fairly simple, but we just have to go through the steps to do it,” he said. “When we want to apply for grants, they see our commitment and dedication, and (that) helps guide their decision making.”
Mississippi Forestry Commission Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator Alex Ballard has been working with the board to help reclaim the Tree City certification.
“We’re doing all we can to work with Columbus,” he said. “The Tree City USA program is an award for (cities and communities) doing the right thing. They’re taking care of their trees the right way, and Columbus is one little step over the hill from getting that.”
Mayor Keith Gaskin and Ward 4 Councilman Pierre Beard joined the group Friday to issue an official proclamation recognizing the Arbor Day celebration.
“The more trees we have, the healthier our community is in many ways,” Gaskin said. “So it’s great to see so many here today wanting to be a part of this historical day planting our first tree.”
Dantico said the event was a great opportunity for the board to engage the community while honoring its mission of promoting the benefits of trees.
“This demonstrates how active we are and engaged not only with the things we have to do, but also the education of the community,” he said. “This tree is the first of many awesome things we are going to do.”
McRae is a general assignment and education reporter for The Dispatch.
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