Pictured are (l-r) Bruce Trautman, Deputy Director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources; John and Pat Clausen, Gladbrook, representing Trees Forever, and Paul Tauke, State Forester.

DES MOINES – The City of Gladbrook was recently honored with the 2015 Tree City USA Award at the 26th 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 7 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 Gladbrook 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.” Gladbrook was one of 81 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.