Demopolis recognized as ‘Tree City’
Published 8:46 am Tuesday, July 14, 2020
- The City of Demopolis is presented a flag in honor of being a “Tree City.” Pictured are, from left, Katie Wiswall of the Alabama Forestry Commission; Demopolis Beautification Committee member Kaye Evans; Mayor John Laney; Public Works Department employees Cindy Parker and Amy McGee; Public Works Supervisor Ashford Jackson; and Billy Carlisle of the Alabama Forestry Service.
For the 34th year, the City of Demopolis has been recognized as a “Tree City” by the Alabama Forestry Commission and the Arbor Day Foundation.
In June, representatives presented city officials with a Tree City flag in honor of the city once again achieving the status for 2019.
To meet Tree City eligibility, several criteria must be met which would include having an ordinance establishing a commitment to care for trees and having a board related to the preservation and growth of tree areas. Other criteria includes adopting a proclamation annually for Arbor Day, having an Arbor Day celebration, and spending $2 per capita on trees.
“Spending $2 a day is actually very easy when you think about all the things the city does related to limb services and those type things,” said Alabama Forester Billy Carlisle.
The city hosts Demopolis In Bloom in the spring, which helps to meet the requirement for an Arbor Day celebration.
Mayor John Laney credited the city’s Beautification Commission and the Public Works Department for all their efforts that help keep Demopolis a Tree City.