Farmington awarded Tree City status for 38th year

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FARMINGTON – The town of Farmington has been recognized as a 2014 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. The shiretown has continuously earned the award over the last 38 years for its tree planting and other related activities.

Members of the Farmington Conservation Commission receive the Tree City USA award for the 37th year. From left to right:
Members of the Farmington Conservation Commission receive the Tree City USA award last year at the North Church. From left to right: Patty Cormier, Robert Zundel, Sally Spiech, Jane Woodman; Farmington Town Manager Richard Davis; board chair Pete Tracy. At right, presenting the award, is Doug Denico, director of Maine Forest Service.

Farmington, with the Maine towns of Kennebunkport and Westbrook, hold the distinction of having been awarded as a Tree City for the most years by the National Arbor Day Foundation.

Tree City status is achieved by maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day. In Farmington the Conservation Commission members coordinate the town’s tree activities and submit the Tree City application each year.

“Residents of Farmington ought to be proud to live in a community that makes the planting and care of trees a priority,” Matt Harris, the foundation’s chief executive said in the announcement.

More than 3,400 communities received the award for 2014. The Tree City USA program is co-sponsored by the U.S, Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

In the acknowledgement, it was noted, “trees are vital to the public infrastructure of cities and towns throughout the country, providing numerous environmental, social and economic benefits. In fact, trees are the one price of community infrastructure that actually increases in value over time.

Farmington town officials will be presented with a Tree City USA flag and other items presented in a ceremony next month. Last year the state’s Arbor Week awards ceremony was held at the North Church in Farmington.

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