October 9, 2003

I-45 Beautification Coalition Wins Urban Forestry Award

Frank W. Robinson, left, President of Town Center Improvement District, receives the I-45 Beautification Award from Tom Boggus of the Texas Forest Service.
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COLLEGE STATION - Texas Forest Service and the Texas Urban Forestry Council recently awarded the I-45 Beautification Coalition the 2003 Arboricultural Project Award in recognition of its I-45 Tree Planting exemplifying modern arboricultural practices and customer service. The award was presented at the Texas Tall Tales Round Up on Sept. 18 in San Antonio in conjunction with the National Urban Forestry Council Annual Meeting.

"These awards recognize the best of urban and community forestry in Texas," Jim Hull, director of the Texas Forest Service, said. "Recent research has shown that trees act as the lungs, water filters, and air conditioners of our cities. These awards honor those Texans who help keep our community trees safe and healthy."

The I-45 Beautification Coalition is a real mix of the public and private sector. This unique alliance marks the first time a coalition of private and public entities have been organized for a beautification project. In order to accomplish the goal of "dressing up" the transportation project, it took the participation of 11 South Montgomery County organizations, an expenditure of close to $1,000,000, installation of approximately 11,800 plants and an extensive irrigation system covering over 13 miles of highway.

Participants included Town Center Improvement District, City of Oak Ridge North, The Woodlands Operating Company, L.P., Texas Department of Transportation, City of Shenandoah, the South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce, the Community Associations of The Woodlands, Texas, United States Congressman Kevin Brady, Montgomery County Precinct 2 & 3, and the South Montgomery County Municipal Utility District.

"We are pleased to recognize the I-45 Beautification Coalition and their work," said Nancy Masterson, President of the Texas Urban Forestry Council. "This initiative is proof of what can be done when people, public agencies and private companies work together to benefit the public."

The Texas Forest Service's urban forestry program develops and improves the capacity of communities to plant and care for trees in parks, along streets, and in other urban settings. For additional information, see our website at texasforestservice.tamu.edu.