Albert Lea was named a 2012 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.

This is the 19th year Albert Lea has earned the national designation, according to a news release.

The city achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: having a tree board or department, having a tree-care ordinance, having an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and having an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

“Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like Albert Lea make smart investments in urban forests,” said John Rosenow, founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation, in the release. “Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits.”