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WHEREAS, this year marks the 21st anniversary of Pittsburgh's designation as a Tree City USA, a testament to our unwavering commitment to maintaining and enhancing our urban tree canopy; and,
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WHEREAS, it is a testament to Pittsburgh’s dedication to meeting the four essential
standards required to sustain our Tree City certification, demonstrating our ongoing responsibility to our environment; and,
WHEREAS, Council recognizes the invaluable contributions of partner organizations, including the Department of Community and Natural Resources' TreeVitalize Program, which has invested millions in grant funds, leading to the planting of over 30,000 trees over the past 15 years; and,
WHEREAS, Council also acknowledges and uplifts the collaborative efforts of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Tree Pittsburgh's Tree Tenders, and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy in nurturing our urban forest; and,
WHEREAS, these trees not only provide essential shade, reduce the urban heat island effect, and lower energy costs, but also improve air quality, increase property values, and enhance the overall enjoyment of our communities; and,
WHEREAS, Pittsburgh is at the forefront of innovation with the introduction of a state-of-the-art AI driven street tree inventory, conducted by Davey Resource Group and Greenhill Technologies, making us the first city in North America to implement such technology; and,
WHEREAS, Council salutes our Pittsburgh Forestry Division, a specialized unit of the Department of Public Works, which is dedicated to ensuring a safe and healthy urban canopy for current and future generations, preserving and enhancing our city’s green space, and ensuring a sustainable environment for all residents;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare April 14, 2026 to be “Arbor Day and Twenty-First Anniversary of Tree City USA Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.