The City of Brighton has earned a 2020 Tree City USA designation for the 35th year from the Arbor Day Foundation. This honor recognizes the city's commitment to effective urban forest management.

Brighton achieved Tree City USA recognition 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.

"This is an honor," said Kyle Sylvester, Open Space Manager. "The City has been committed to planting, caring and promoting the benefits of trees to the community for many decades, and continues to prioritize this now and into the future.”

Brighton is one of more than 3,600 Tree City USA communities, with a combined population of 155 million people. 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.

"If ever there was a time for trees, now is that time," said Dan Lame, President of Arbor Day Foundation in a letter to Brighton Mayor Greg Mills. "Communities worldwide are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being and energy use. Brighton is stepping up to do its part. As a result of your commitment to effective urban forest management, you are helping to provide a solution to these challenges."

For more information on the program, go to arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.