Laughlin named a Tree City USA community for 16th year Published March 21, 2012 By Senior Airman Scott Saldukas 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Recently Laughlin was named a Tree City USA community for the 16th time by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to urban forestry. The Arbor Day Foundation is an organization designed to educate and inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. "Being a Tree City USA community is an important part of Laughlin's commitment to proper management of our bases natural resources," said LiJane Brunner, 47th Civil Engineer Squadron environmental engineer. "Trees are also a very important part of making our installation a pleasant and attractive place to live and work." Brunner explained that to be named a Tree City USA community the location must meet four standards set by the Arbor Day Foundation. Each tree city community must have a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, a community forestry program with annual expenditures of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. "We all benefit when communities like Laughlin place a high priority on planting and caring for trees, one of our nation's most beautiful resources," said John Rosenow, Arbor Day Foundations chief executive and founder, in an Arbor Day Foundation news release. "Trees shade our homes and add beauty to our neighborhoods, and they also provide many environmental, economic and social benefits. We applaud Laughlin's elected officials, volunteers and citizens for providing vital care for its urban forest." Brunner said each year Laughlin has an Earth Day celebration where they hold an activity and invite everyone to join in. "In 2011, we held a ceremony and planted two oak trees on the Leaning Pines Golf Course," Brunner said. "In 2012 we are planning to participate in an activity with the youth center after school program and looking to having a booth at the Del Rio Earth Day event."