Assembly Resolution No. 411

BY: M. of A. Miller

COMMENDING the Village of New Hartford upon the
occasion of being designated as a Tree City USA for
the 40th consecutive year by the National Arbor Day
Foundation

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those towns and villages of true purpose and high achievement
whose exemplary programs and accomplishments clearly demonstrate an
enduring pursuit of excellence in local government in this noble Empire
State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Village of New Hartford upon the occasion of being
designated as a Tree City USA for the 40th consecutive year by the
National Arbor Day Foundation, to be celebrated at an event on
Wednesday, June 14, 2023; and

WHEREAS, The Tree City USA program recognizes the importance of an
urban tree canopy and improved care of vital village trees; and

WHEREAS, The Village of New Hartford has once again achieved Tree
City USA status by meeting the four core standards of sound urban
forestry management: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance,
an annual community forestry budget or at least $2 per capita, and an
Arbor Day observance and proclamation; and

WHEREAS, Established in 1976, this four-step framework allows for
communities to show environmental change is part of their communities'
commitment; currently, all 50 states have Tree City programs which is
the oldest of the Arbor Day Foundations' programs; and

WHEREAS, A community's tree planting is a living memorial to the
citizens' concern for the quality of life; the trees we plant and care
for today will increase property values, cool and beautify our cities,
fight pollution, conserve energy, and give wildlife a home for years to
come; and

WHEREAS, Trees are essential for life; they improve water quality by
absorbing 25-35 percent of rainfall and controlling flooding better than
a man-made system, restricting stormwater runoff from reaching our
waterways, and filtering heavy metals and other pollutants; and

WHEREAS, Trees enhance air quality by lowering outdoor temperatures,
which reduces energy consumption and the pollution it creates; capturing
carbon emissions that lead to climate change, a single tree removes 22
pounds of carbon per year; and absorbing hundreds of thousands of metric
tons of air pollution a year and replacing it with oxygen; and

WHEREAS, Trees build vibrant neighborhoods by inviting neighbors to
go outdoors and connect with one another; reducing instances of
vandalism, graffiti and littering; lowering crime rates and acts of
aggression; and growing a sense of community; and


WHEREAS, An effective community forestry program is an ongoing
process of renewal and improvement, a program of tree planting and care
which continues through the years; the Tree City USA award is an
excellent indication that there is a solid foundation for that process
of improvement; and

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon all citizens to recognize and applaud
the efforts of local governments such as the Village of New Hartford
which work tirelessly on behalf of protecting our natural surroundings
for the benefit of present and future generations of New Yorkers; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Village of New Hartford upon the occasion of being
designated as a Tree City USA for the 40th consecutive year by the
National Arbor Day Foundation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Village of New Hartford.