Forestry

Trees are major capital assets in America's cities and towns. Just as streets, sewers, public buildings, and recreational facilities are part of a community's infrastructure, so are publicly owned trees. The entire urban forest is an important asset that requires the same care and maintenance as other public property.

The many wooded residential areas in Golden Valley act as important visual, aesthetic, and economic resources and add significantly to the quality of life and the value of property within the City. Trees on public property belong to all of us, and they deserve our care and attention so they can continue to do their job.

The purpose of Golden Valley's Urban Forestry Program is to ensure that public trees are properly managed and to give residents the correct information they need to care for their own trees. Golden Valley has received the nationally recognized designation of Tree City USA for the past several years. Tree City USA was developed by the National Arbor Day Foundation, in conjunction with the United States Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. It recognizes towns and cities across America that meet four standards: a community tree ordinance, a legal tree governing body, a comprehensive urban forestry program supported by a minimum of $2 per capita, and an annual observance of Arbor Day. Golden Valley's active and comprehensive urban forestry program has made our urban forest one of which we all can be proud.