What Does it Take to Become a ‘Tree City USA’? Part Two

Last week we learned the basic requirements to become a “Tree City USA.” Most outstanding is the need to establish a Community Forestry Program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita. In January 2010, the population of Mission Viejo was 100,725. So in 2010, being a Tree City USA cost at least $201,450 of your tax dollars.

Do we really need a Tree City USA title? According to the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters, we do. The benefits as touted on their website  http://www.arborday.org/programs/treeCityUSA/standards.cfm are manifold:

• Public image as a caring community, indicating that the quality of life may be better here.
• Citizen pride may translate to better care of trees on private property or a willingness to volunteer in the future.
• Financial Assistance; Preference may be given when grant money is allocated. Some officials tend to have more confidence in communities that have demonstrated the foresight of becoming a Tree City USA.
• Publicity opportunities abound in the award presentation and yearly celebrations. As one forester put it, “This is advertising that money can't buy—and it is free!”

More than $200,000 was made available for the city’s “Forestry Program” last year. Is that “FREE”? And now, with the construction of high-density housing, the population will increase dramatically, boosting the Tree City USA maintenance budget even higher. 

By June 2011, the Mission Viejo city budget shortfall is estimated to be $2.4 million. In addition, simply restoring our streets to a reasonable standard will cost an estimated $80 million. Obviously, the city needs to cut back on unnecessary spending.

So, what does it really take to become a “Tree City USA”? A fiscally irresponsible and hopelessly gullible city council and city administrators willing to actively promote municipal bankruptcy.