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The City of Marion was recently honored with the 2017 Tree City USA Growth Award at the 28th Annual Community Forestry Awards Luncheon in Des Moines. The award was presented by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources on April 4 at the Sheraton in West Des Moines. “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. “The City of Marion 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.” Marion was one of 18 Iowa communities to qualify for Tree City USA Growth status. To receive the award, a city must, at a minimum, provide education and public relations; partnerships; planning and management; and tree planting and maintenance in their communities. Marion has achieved Tree City USA community status consistently since 1993. It has also received the Growth Award for 25 consecutive years.