OTTAWA - Those in attendance at Tuesday's Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon learned a little bit about Ottawa's Tree City USA status and the Putnam County YMCA.
Ottawa Economic Development Director Jeff Loehrke first recognized the village's Shade Tree Commission for all of its hard work and 25 years of service.
Since 1985, when the Shade Tree Commission was founded, 2,000 trees have been planted and about 700 have been taken down in Ottawa, said Loehrke. The commission's goal is to manage all public trees.
Loehrke then recognized Urban Lauf, president of the Shade Tree Commission, and Charlie Bruskotter, for their 25 years of service as members of the Shade Tree Commission. He also thanked all other members for their efforts and dedication the commission.
"After all of this hard work, we qualify as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for the seventh year in a row," said Loehrke.
"For those of you who don't know what this is, the Arbor Day Foundation, in cooperation with the U.S Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, recognizes towns and cities across America that meet the standards of the Tree City USA program.
"At least half of the trees in a typical city are on public property, along streets, in parks and around public buildings. The Tree City USA program is designed to recognize those communities that effectively manage their public tree resources, and to encourage the implementation of community tree management," Loehrke read to chamber members.
On April 30, the Village of Ottawa and its Shade Tree Commission will hold the Tree City USA awards ceremony at the Ottawa K of C Hall.
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