The city of Newcastle has once again been named a “Tree City USA” community by the Arbor Day Foundation. This is the second year in a row that Newcastle has been honored for its commitment to community forestry.

Newcastle met the four standards to become a “Tree City” community by: having a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

“Newcastle is fortunate to be surrounded by such natural beauty,” said Aaron Milner, a member of the city’s Public Works team and a certified Tree Risk Assessor by the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture. “Trees are such a vital component to our city, and our Public Works Department strives to nurture this great resource.”

Milner is also a certified arborist, and uses his knowledge to determine which trees in Newcastle pose a risk to people or property.