Members of Clanton’s beautification and tree board won some impressive hardware during a forestry conference over the weekend at Auburn University.

The city’s tree management program was recognized as the Community Achievement of the Year. The award was handed out at the annual Urban and Community Forestry Volunteer Leadership Training and Recognition Program.

“We were very surprised but proud to get this award,” said board member Susan Rickles.

Rickles also works as secretary in Clanton’s Community Development and Building Officials Office.

The city’s tree management plan, sponsored through matching grants, maps and preserves Clanton’s trees.

During the conference, Brian Smith, Chilton County Forestry Commission manager, was named Leader of the Year.Smith graduated from Auburn in 2007 with a degree in forestry. He started with the Alabama Forestry Commission in 2002, before becoming Chilton County Forestry Commission manager in 2005.

He currently serves a chairman of Clanton’s beautification and tree board.

The city was also recognized as a Tree City USA, an annual event that the city has participated in for 17 years.

For more info about the board, contact Rickles at 755-6840.