Maine communities honored for forestry

AUGUSTA – Fourteen Maine communities will be honored as a Tree City USA for demonstrating excellence in community forestry from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, May 21, at the Pine Tree State Arboretum, according to the Maine Forest Service.

The Tree City USA award recipients are: Auburn, Augusta, Bath, Camden, Farmington, Hallowell, Kennebunkport, Lewiston, Orono, Portland, South Portland, Waterville, Westbrook and Yarmouth.

In cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, the National Arbor Day Foundation awards the honor “Tree City USA” to towns that meet four standards established by the National Arbor Day Foundation: It designates responsibility for public tree care to a city department; has a tree-care ordinance; spends at least $2 per capita annually on community forestry; and observes Arbor Day. National Arbor Day is April 30.