Tree City USA

Monroe Community Forestry Program Vision

Monroe is a town well-known for its beautiful, tree lined streets, shaded parking lots, and forested subdivisions.  Trees here are well maintained according to best management practices and the community forest is healthy and diverse.  City officials and staff, and the public at large, recognize that healthy trees are vital to a healthy economy, and that the community forest is an integral part of the City’s historic charm and inviting character.

An Urban and Community Forestry Grant from the Georgia Forestry Commission allowed the City of Monroe to establish a community forestry program in 2007.  The Monroe Tree Board, comprising seven members serving staggered 1-3 year terms, administers the program with the support of City officials and staff, community partners, and volunteers.  The grant funded the development of a tree inventory (only for trees on public property) and management plan for the City.  A detailed database that includes tree species, management needs, and site descriptors was created by a certified arborist.  A management plan developed from the inventory findings guides the Public Works Department in the care of the tree canopy.  Recommendations are made in the plan for the replacement of removed trees and planting in new sites.

The board conducts events to educate the public on the benefits of trees and offers technical assistance to individuals involved in maintaining the community forest.  Past projects include:

• Annual Arbor Day celebrations

• Art and poetry contests for fifth graders

• Classes on tree identification, planting, and maintenance

• Tree care workshops for city and county employees

• Tree plantings on city property

• Maintaining Tree City USA membership in partnership with Public Works Department

• Technical assistance to Making the Shade grant for local schools

Monroe was first honored with Tree City USA status in 2008.  Each year since then the city has met the following four (4) requirements:

1. Have a tree board administer a comprehensive city tree management program

2. Have a tree ordinance

3. Conduct a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2/capita

4. Have the mayor issue a proclamation declaring the observance of Arbor Day and host an Arbor Day celebration

The economic, environmental, social, and aesthetic benefits of a healthy community forest are studied and well documented.  A formula method published by the International Society of Arboriculture was implemented to estimate the value of the 1,088 city trees included in the 2008 inventory to be more than $3,400,000.  The average dollar value per tree at that time was $3,125.   Thanks to grants, donations, and budgeted city improvements, a number of street trees have been planted since then, raising the value of the community forest significantly.

The Georgia Forestry Commission offers information on tree identification, tree care, and the benefits of a healthy community forest.   The Monroe Tree Board welcomes input from residents and visitors to continually improve our program.  If you’d like to volunteer for tree plantings or educational events, you have suggestions, or need advice, please contact us at treeboard@monroega.gov.