Recognition Programs
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Recognition Projects
The Department of Forestry and Fire Management has a number of recognition programs to honor and acknowledge those working throughout Arizona to promote and achieve sustainable urban forests. Communities, stakeholders and residents are encouraged to submit nominations for recognition.
The 2023 Urban and Community Forestry Awards Call for Nominations are Now Open!
The Urban and Community Forestry awards are an opportunity to bring awareness to incredible urban forestry work that is happening in our state. We want to hear from you: Who has positively impacted your community forest in 2022? Please honor the urban forestry partnership, volunteer, business or government employee in your area. Details on nomination instructions can be found here. Please note that these awards are recognizing work that was done in the 2022 calendar year.
Don't wait! Nominations must be submitted by January 20, 2023, at COB. You can submit nominations via our online form or send your nominations to us at [email protected].
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This program recognizes trees that are the largest of their species or - Champion Trees, trees that have cultural significance and a direct connection to people - or Heritage Trees, and trees that are proven to have been in their same location before Arizona's Statehood - or Witness Trees.
Learn the History, Heritage of Arizona's Magnificent Trees - LoriAnne Barnett Warren, DFFM Urban Forestry Specialist |
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Tree City USA is a prestigious designation that Arizona cities can earn by meeting minimum standards for community forestry programs at the municipal level. A program of the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters, the program is administered in Arizona by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management - Urban and Community Forestry program. Tree City USA recognizes communities that have developed urban forestry programs and that proactively plant and care for trees. |
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Tree Campus USA is a prominent designation that Arizona colleges and universities can earn by meeting minimum standards for campus forestry programs. A program of the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters, the program is administered in Arizona by the Department of Forestry and Fire Management - Urban and Community Forestry program. |
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Tree Line USA recognizes public and private utilities that effectively promote the dual goals of safe, reliable electric service and abundant, healthy trees across utility service areas. |
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Citizen Forester of the Year The Citizen Forester of the Year is someone who upholds and demonstrates values associated with a dedication to forestry and responsible management of forest resources. This person is a constructive member and dedicated volunteer within their community and is currently not employed as a forester or in a related field.
2022 Winner and Nominees:
WINNER: Dobie Champion NOMINEE: Richard Roati NOMINEE: James Vaaler
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Palo Verde Award for Urban Forestry Enhancement This award is given to an exceptional business whose work provides innovative leadership or contributions of talent and effort that enable the advancement of sustainable community forestry efforts at a local or state level.
2022 Winner and Nominees:
WINNER: Arizona Sustainability Alliance NOMINEE: Canyon Creek Logging
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Ironwood Award for Public Service This award is presented to an exemplary government official or employee, who through extraordinary efforts, has significantly and positively contributed to and enhanced urban forest management at a community or state level.
2022 Winner and Nominees:
WINNER: Mayor Regina Romero, City of Tucson NOMINEE: Peter Conden NOMINEE: Sean Whitcomb
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Ponderosa Pine Partnership Award To increase the recognition of outstanding urban forestry projects in Arizona, this award is presented for the innovative strategic, and/or pioneering collaborative efforts of organizations in Arizona. It recognizes a project for exceptional involvement of multiple organizations implemented during the past year.
2022 Winner and Nominees:
WINNER: ParkRx Arizona NOMINEE: West Mesa Heat Mitigation Project NOMINEE: Flagstaff Prescribed Fire Training Exchange (TREX) NOMINEE: Town of Pinetop-Lakeside's Woodland Park Beetle Treatment Project |
