Gov. Terry Branstad proclaims April as Invasive Species Awareness Month

Invasive species destroy native trees and disrupt natural habitat

DES MOINES, Iowa (March 28) - With the spread of invasive species, such as emerald ash borer and oriental bittersweet, Iowa's forest ecosystems are threatened, and Gov. Terry Branstad will sign a proclamation announcing the month of April as Invasive Species Awareness Month.

The Governor will sign the proclamation in his office on Wed., March 29 at 10 a.m.

According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, millions of dollars, both public and private, are spent each year for the control of invasive plants, insects, diseases and animal species in Iowa's woodlands and urban areas.

"This proclamation is a big milestone," says Paul Tauke, Forestry Bureau Chief/State Forester. "Today emerald ash borer and oriental bittersweet are wreaking havoc in our woodlands, and these two forest enemies are just the beginning. EAB alone is projected to cost Iowa more than $2.5 billion in removal costs and lost benefits."

"Trees and forests help clean our water, and when we talk about improving water quality, we need to recognize the important role of trees and forests along streams and rivers," Coalition member and Trees Forever CEO & Founding President Shannon Ramsay said. "Invasive pests need to be stopped, so we can protect our native trees and natural resources."

The Coalition includes Trees Forever, Iowa Woodland Owners Association, Iowa Nut Growers Association, Iowa Tree Farm Committee, the Iowa Urban Tree Council and Amana Forestry. 

Also on March 29, Trees Forever, Iowa Woodland Owners Association, Iowa Urban Tree Council, Iowa Tree Farm Committee, Amana Forestry and New Melleray Abbey Trappist Coffins will have exhibits in the Capitol Building's Rotunda to educate and promote the importance of trees and forests to the state of Iowa.

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Trees Forever is a nonprofit organization nationally headquartered in Marion, Iowa. We are dedicated to planting trees, encouraging volunteer and youth involvement and environmental stewardship. For more than 25 years, we've been planting a better tomorrow. For more information, visit www.treesforever.org or call 800-369-1269.