Folsom is 'Tree City USA' for 19th consecutive year

Folsom has again been recognized as a "Tree City USA" by the Arbor Day Foundation, making 19 consecutive years of this prestigious designation, the city announced last week. "The honor reflects Folsom's ongoing commitment to growing and maintaining a healthy, sustainable urban forest," Folsom City Staff announced. The honor recognizes the city's investment in tree care, community forestry programs and policies that protect the urban canopy. Trees are a vital part of what makes Folsom "Distinctive by Nature." From scenic trails to tree-lined streets and parks, Folsom's urban forest enhances air and water quality, provides shade and habitat and contributes to the natural beauty that defines the community. Folsom residents can receive a free shade tree through the Sacramento Tree Foundation. Learn more at SacTree.org. Meanwhile, Folsom currently employs one full-time arborist with Aimee Nunez, and the City Council was scheduled this week to consider hiring another urban forester to handle the tremendous workload in Tree City USA. The projected cost for salary and benefits would total roughly $156,265 with annual increases, according to the report. Folsom is otherwise in the middle of a three-year contract with the Sacramento Tree Foundation for city tree preservation services. Staff said in late 2023 the previous three-year contract was for $480,000, while the current three-year term is pegged at $645,000. After study, Folsom staff found the Sacramento Tree Foundation offers the best overall program while inherently coordinating volunteer efforts already in the city.