SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Urban and Community Forestry Program has chosen Salem as the state’s Tree City of the Year.
Scott Altenhoff who manages ODF’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, said Salem was the perfect choice in 2026 both for its vigorous response to the threat from the tree-killing pest emerald ash borer and because it is marking 50 years as a Tree City USA.
“Salem has the distinction of being the first community in Oregon to meet the four criteria needed to become a Tree City USA, a national program of the non-profit Arbor Day Foundation that ODF administers in Oregon,” said Altenhoff. “They have been leaders, working to meet the many challenges facing Oregon’s urban forests using recommended best practices.”…