Cape gets 11th Tree City USA nod

The Arbor Day Foundation has named the City of Cape Girardeau a "Tree City USA" for the 11th time.

"Trees are a vital component of the infrastructure in our city and they also provide environmental and economical benefits," said Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation director Dan Muser. "As a Tree City, we have done everything we reasonably can to care for our community forest."

Cape Girardeau has again met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community: an active tree board, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

The Arbor Day Foundation use Tree City designations to encourage tree preservation because trees moderate climate, conserve water and provide habitat for wildlife.

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.