The City of Atlantic was recently honored with the 2016 Tree City USA Award at the 27th Annual Community Forestry Awards Luncheon in Des Moines. The award was presented by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Forestry Bureau April 6th at the Forte Banquet & Conference Center.

“The Tree City USA award is a symbol for communities who have made a commitment to the management of public trees,” says state forester Paul Tauke. “The City of Atlantic has provided an outstanding example for other Iowa communities by enhancing our forest resources and demonstrating the great value of trees in providing multiple benefits for future generations.”

Atlantic was one of 80 Iowa communities to qualify for Tree City USA status. To receive the award, a city must, at a minimum, have either a city forester or an active city tree board; have a tree ordinance; spend at least $2 per capita annually for its community forestry program; and have a tree planting and maintenance plan.

left to right:Chuck Gipp, Director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Seth Staashelm, Atlantic Parks and Recreation Director, John Lund, Atlantic City Administrator, Dolly Bergmann, President of the Atlantic Trees Forever, Dave Bergmann, Atlantic Trees Forever Member, and Paul Tauke, State Forester (Photo provided)