Sugar Land Earns Tree City USA Label

May 24, 2012

Sugar Land has become the first city in Fort Bend County to be recognized as a Tree City USA community.

Texas Forest Service Regional Forester Mickey Merritt presented the award this spring, citing the city’s commitment to the environment.

“A Tree City USA designation tells residents and visitors alike that here is a community that cares about its environment and values the quality of life of its residents,” Merritt said. “It creates community pride and presents the kind of image that most people want for their community.”

To be considered for Tree City USA recognition, a city must have an established tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a community forestry program with annual expenditures of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

Sugar Land is just one of 73 communities in Texas to receive the recognition. The program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the U.S. Forest Service.

For more details, visit the City of Sugar Land website at www.sugarlandtx.gov.