(Des Moines, Iowa) – Officials with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources report the City of Atlantic was recently honored with the 2024 Tree City USA Award at the 34th Annual Community Forestry Awards Luncheon in Ankeny. The award was presented by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources on April 3rd, at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny.   

“The Tree City USA award is a symbol for communities who have made a commitment to the management of public trees,” says state forester Jeff Goerndt. “Your community 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.”

In the picture are Kayla Lyon, Director of the Department of Natural Resources, Dolly Bergmann with Atlantic Trees Forever and Jeff Goerndt, State Forester (Photo courtesy the IA DNR)

 Atlantic was one of 73 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.