AMERICAN FORK — American Fork city has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA, helping Utah reach its goal of having 50 communities recognized as Tree Cities.

During the process of becoming a Tree City USA, American Fork City Council member Heidi Rodeback was named Citizen Forester of the Year by the Utah Community Forest Council and the Utah Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture. Rodeback was given this award at the beginning of the year for her dedication and persistence in seeing that the city passed a tree ordinance last November, enabling the city to become a Tree City USA.

There are four requirements for a community to be recognized as a Tree City USA: The city must have a tree care ordinance, a tree board or department and a community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita, and the city must have an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. American Fork had tried to become a Tree City USA in the past, but had never passed a tree ordinance.

The city will be recognized as an official Tree City USA on Arbor Day later next month. The Arbor Day observance will be held Friday, April 25, 8-10 a.m. at Rotary Park.