Dubuque Named a Tree City USA

CONTACT:
Marie Ware, Leisure Services Manager
563.589.4263, mware@cityofdubuque.org  

April 23, 2018 -- For Immediate Release

DUBUQUE, Iowa – Dubuque was recently named a 2017 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of the City of Dubuque’s commitment to effective urban forest management.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

Dubuque achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and
proclamation.  “Dubuque Trees Forever formed approximately a year ago and encouraged the City to apply to become a Tree City USA as another commitment to the importance of trees and recognition of the City’s support of the urban canopy,” said City of Dubuque Leisure Services Manager Marie Ware.  

“Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like Dubuque make smart investments in urban forests,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social, and environmental benefits.”

Trees are assets to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.

Dubuque Trees Forever planned a planting project to commemorate Arbor Day in April;  however, the weather delayed the project to mid-May. “The City appreciates the partnership and work that Dubuque Trees Forever has achieved in its first year and we are excited for the plans they have for their second year,” according to Ware. “The City and its partners are committed to our urban forest.”

More information on the program is available at www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA. 

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ABOUT THE ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION: The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information is available at www.arborday.org.