McConnell achieves 20 years as Tree City

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  McConnell Air Force Base was named a "2013 Tree City USA" by the Arbor Day Foundation for its 20th consecutive year.

The recognition was achieved by meeting the program's four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

"Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like McConnell make smart investments in urban forests," said John Rosenow, Arbor Day Foundation founder and chief executive. "Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits."

Team McConnell is one of 3,400 Tree City USAs. 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.

"We don't think of the earth as a system like we do an aircraft," said Tina Seemayer, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron environmental engineer. "People don't realize that at McConnell, not only do we have to have the physical infrastructure, but we need the environmental infrastructure healthy too. Trees contribute significantly to the environment."

The trees here have helped to save energy, improve air quality and storm water management, save energy, increase property value and beautify the community.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day.

"Residents of McConnell AFB should be proud to live in a community that makes the planting and care of trees a priority," said Rosenow.