[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 101 (Friday, July 22, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1584]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE 2005 ``TREE CITY USA'' CITIES OF FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 22, 2005

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 110 Florida 
communities that received the 2005 Tree City USA recognition from the 
National Arbor Day Foundation. This designation is in recognition of 
these communities' support of the USDA Forest Service's Urban and 
Community Forestry Program. These Florida communities have dedicated 
substantial efforts to the improvement of the environment in their 
cities and towns.
  For almost 30 years, the Tree City USA program has facilitated 
cooperation and partnership in the urban forestry community, and has 
proven a cost-effective way for state and federal governments to 
support the conservation efforts of local communities. The Tree City 
USA program has effectively coordinated and engaged public and private 
participants including municipal leaders, State and Federal 
governments, tree care professionals, and non-profit organizations, 
toward a common goal of bettering our environment.
  Tree City USA municipalities allocate over $765 million each year to 
forestry programs. These funds go towards enhancing the natural beauty 
of the environment in order to make our communities a more pleasant 
place to live.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the communities of Boca Raton, Boynton 
Beach, Coconut Creek, Cooper City, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Juno 
Beach, Jupiter, Lighthouse Point, Oakland Park, Palm Beach Gardens, 
Plantation, Pompano Beach, and West Palm Beach on their efforts to 
promote environmental conservation and I encourage them to continue to 
improve the natural beauty of Florida.

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