The city of Lompoc’s Urban Forestry Division recently received two distinguished awards: Tree City USA and Tree Line USA. Lompoc is celebrating its 30th year receiving the Tree City USA award, and more than 15 years for the Tree Line USA award.

Tree City USA is a national recognition program that began in 1976 and is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters.

Tree City USA provides the framework necessary for communities to manage and expand their public trees, providing the framework for a healthy, sustainable urban forestry program. To be named a Tree City USA, cities must meet criteria including maintaining a tree board or department and celebrating Arbor Day.

The Tree Line USA program run by the Arbor Day Foundation, United States Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, recognizes best practices in public and private utility arboriculture, demonstrating how trees and utilities can co-exist for the benefit of communities and citizens.

Sean O’Neil, Lompoc Urban Forestry supervisor, said the awards were earned through the dedication and hard work of urban forestry staff.

“Trees and vegetation in public areas are an important part of Lompoc, and urban forestry staff takes pride in doing our best to maintain these trees for our community to enjoy for generations to come,” O’Neil said.