Charlotte&amp;#39;s urban forest stands tall thanks to comprehensive management plans and tree ordinances designed to protect public and private trees. Thanks to the city&amp;#39;s attention, Mecklenburg County, centered by Charlotte, was awarded the &amp;lt;a href=&amp;quot;http://www.nrpa.org/goldmedal/&amp;quot; target=&amp;quot;_blank&amp;quot;&amp;gt;National Gold Medal Award&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt; in 2012 by the National Recreation and Park Association. 