Forest groups recognize Maine towns, people

AUGUSTA – The Maine Forest Service and the Maine Community Forestry Council have recognized five people and 13 municipalities with a variety of environmental awards.

Recognition was at a reception at the Pine Tree State Arboretum in recognition of Arbor Week.

Fred Knight, dean emeritus of the University of Maine College of Forestry, was the invited guest of honor.

Winner of the National Arbor Day Foundation poster contest was fifth-grader Jennifer Tang of Saco. She was recognized with a plaque from the National Arbor Day Foundation and a $100 savings bond.

The Outstanding Forest Stewardship Award was given to Cedar Works Inc. of Rockport.

A newly created award, the Future Forest Award, was presented to Steve and Shannon Lion of Township 32 Middle District for exemplary work in implementing precommercial activities on small, nonindustrial private woodlands.

Eleven Maine municipalities were given the national Tree City USA awards.

To qualify, a town must meet all of the organization’s criteria: Spend at least $2 per capita on a community forestry program, maintain a tree board or department, observe Arbor Day, and have local ordinances that address tree care. The recipients were Augusta, Bath, Camden, Farmington, Kennebunkport, Orono, Portland, South Portland, Waterville, Westbrook and Yarmouth.

The Maine Community Forestry Council presented two Champion of the Community Forest Awards to Frank Knight, Yarmouth tree warden, and Fred Pecci, Bath tree warden. In addition, the council awarded Corinna and Biddeford with Community Tree Planting Grants.