Iowa DNR News – Tree City USA Award

Posted: April 17, 2023 in City News

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City Of Decorah: Tree City USA Recipient


DES MOINES – The City of Decorah  was recently honored with the 2022 Tree City USA Award at the 32nd Annual Community Forestry Awards Luncheon in Ankeny. The award was presented by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources April 12th 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.”

Decorah was one of 74 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.

From L-R in the picture: Kayla Lyon, Director of the Department of Natural Resources, Scott Timm, Chair of the Decorah Tree Board, Sam Hogenson, Decorah City Forester, and Jeff Goerndt, State Forester.

Media contact: Emma Hanigan, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, at 515-249-1732.