FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 27, 2018
MEDIA CONTACT: Emma Hanigan, DNR, (515) 249-1732, Emma.Hanigan@dnr.iowa.gov
DES MOINES – Today on Arbor Day, Governor Kim
Reynolds signed the first-ever Iowa canopy cover proclamation, with many DNR forestry
staff and partner organizations from across Iowa in attendance.
The proclamation highlights the
importance of trees and tree cover to the environment, the economy and quality of life for Iowans.
“We encourage all Iowans to participate in tree planting and
learn about maintenance and protection of current tree canopy cover,” said
Chuck Gipp, director of the DNR. “We have numerous experts with the DNR that
can lend expertise and work together to increase tree cover in our state.”
Iowa has approximately 18.5 percent community tree cover and 10 percent total urban and rural tree cover. New U.S. Forest
Service research ranks Iowa 9th in urban tree canopy cover loss over a five-year time period, losing almost 2 percent of its tree canopy. In
rural woodlands, a separate Forest Inventory and Assessments study showed a loss
of 97,000 acres over five years.
“Understanding the importance of trees and their canopy and the trends in Iowa tree cover loss makes tree
planting more important than ever,” said Emma Hanigan, DNR urban
forestry coordinator.
Left to right: Emma Hanigan, Iowa DNR; Kevin Conn, City of West Des Moines and Iowa Urban Tree Council; Shannon Ramsey, Trees Forever; Jeff Goerdt, Iowa DNR; Gov. Kim Reynolds; Heath Ellis, City of Pleasant Hill and Iowa Urban Tree Council; Leslie Berkes, Trees Forever; Dale Garner, Iowa DNR; Bruce Trautman, Iowa DNR.
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