IRON MOUNTAIN — The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Iron Mountain as the newest Tree City USA, a free program that can help educate residents about the value of trees and green space.

The city council was told Monday by Iron Mountain Tree Board representatives Lori Lamy and Virginia Feleppa that its application had been approved. A Tree City USA plaque will be placed at the city limits to acknowledge a commitment to plant, grow and maintain trees to benefit the community.

More than 3,600 communities across the U.S. hold the Tree City USA designation. To earn the recognition, a city must uphold four core standards, including maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and participating in an Arbor Day celebration.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. Its Tree City USA program has recognized cities and towns that leverage urban forestry to enhance the livability and sustainability of their local area for more than 50 years.

Arbor Day is observed each year on the fourth Friday of April.

Over the past decade or so, the tree board has assisted in getting about 20 trees planted in boulevard spaces each year. Grants from DTE Energy and American Transmission Co., among others, have also played a role.

At Monday’s council meeting, tree board member Joshua Isaac was recognized for his assistance. Isaac, a Dickinson Conservation District forester, helped the city secure a $41,000 state grant last year for tree removals and replacements at Cemetery Park.

In December, when the city put forward its Tree City USA application, it was noted that the $2 per resident spending standard can include removal of dying trees as well as new plantings.

The city of Norway first earned the Tree City USA stamp of approval in 2014.

In other action Monday, the Iron Mountain council:

— In response to a question from council member Pam Maule, heard City Manager Jordan Stanchina report that Starbucks still has a site plan in place for 1950 S. Stephenson Ave., along with a construction permit, but there’s been no indication when a project might begin. The council in May granted the coffeehouse chain a special use permit for a drive-thru at the site where a 2017 fire destroyed the EZ Stop Mobil gas station storefront and part of a Burger King restaurant.

— Learned from Mayor Dale Alessandrini that the TJ Maxx department store chain has shown interest in the city but has made no known commitment.

— Was informed the Michigan Department of Transportation will perform maintenance at two intersections later this year, causing temporary traffic disruptions. The work will be at Carpenter Avenue and Ludington Street and on South U.S. 2 at the stop light near Tractor Supply. The patching will involve milling off 2 inches of asphalt and replacing it with high-stress hot mix asphalt, Stanchina said.