For the 14th year, the city of Branson has been recognized for its effort to protect its trees.<\/p>\n
During an Arbor Day ceremony at Branson Landing, the city was named a 2009 Tree City USA.<\/p>\n
“This is Branson’s 14th year to receive this honor,” said Cindy Garner, an urban forester with the Missouri Department of Conservation.<\/p>\n
“The people of this city should be very proud of what their local government does for trees.”<\/p>\n
She said the amount of air produced by one acre of trees is enough for 18 people for one year.<\/p>\n
“Trees are such a big part of our lives,” Garner said. “Not only is the oxygen important, but the shade is also pretty nice, too.”<\/p>\n
She said about 42 percent of the communities in Missouri earned the Tree City USA award.<\/p>\n
“Branson is also one of only 11 communities in the state to receive the Growth Award,” Garner said. “This award is presented to communities that go above and beyond the requirements to be a Tree City USA. Communities that manage trees on public property should be recognized.”<\/p>\n