Tree City USA

Philomath has been designated a Tree City USA for 27 years by the Arbor Day Foundation.

The Tree City USA program has been greening up cities and towns across America since 1976. It is a nationwide movement that provides the framework necessary for communities to manage and expand their public trees. More than 3,400 communities have made the commitment to becoming a Tree City USA.

Following are the four the criteria and Philomath's qualifications for Tree City USA status:

Standard 1: Maintain a Tree Board or Department
Philomath has a Tree Board that meets monthly in conjunction with Public Works Committee meetings. The Tree Board consists of the three City Council members assigned to the Public Works Committee and two additional at-large citizen members. The current members of the Tree Board are: City Councilors Jessica Andrade, Catherine Biscoe, and Ruth Causey along with Citizen Members Rick Flacco Lorri Hendon.

Standard 2: Have a Tree Care Ordinance
Philomath Municipal Code Chapter 2.40 is the Tree Advisory Board Ordinance

Standard 3: Spend at Least $2 Per Capita on Urban Forestry
The City's annual budget includes budgeted funds specifically for Tree Maintenance. In addition, Public Works staff hours are dedicated to tree maintenance, including a certified Arborist on staff.

Standard 4: Celebrate Arbor Day
Every April, the City Council issues an Arbor Day Proclamation declaring Arbor Day in the City. A special celebration is planned to coincide with Arbor Day. Past Arbor Day festivities have included personal tree planting and education with students from local schools and tree plantings at parks.

For more information about the Tree City USA program: Arbor Day Foundation