Pope named Tree City USA Published March 27, 2008 POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Pope has been named a Tree City USA community by the National Arbor Day Foundation for the tenth consecutive year. The national recognition is given to communities that honor its commitment to community forestry. The award will be presented to Pope by Joe Johnson, Cumberland County Forester, at Pope's Arbor Day celebration Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. at the School Age Program Center. Pope has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance. "Tree City USA recognizes communities that have proven their commitment to an effective, ongoing community forestry program," John Rosenow, Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation, said. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. "Trees in our cities and towns help clean the air, conserve soil and water, moderate temperature and bring nature into our daily lives," Mr. Rosenow said. "A community, and its citizens, that recognize these benefits and provide needed care for its trees deserves recognition and thanks." (Courtesy National Arbor Day Foundation)