PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Downtown Presque Isle will be a bit greener this summer, thanks to a Project Canopy grant for $8,000, obtained through the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
A total of $133,000 in grants was awarded recently to local governments and municipalities, educational institutions and non-profit organizations that support community efforts to develop and maintain long-term community forestry programs.
The grants not only provide for the beautification of a community, they also benefit local businesses.
“The total economic impact of the horticulture industry in Maine is $286 million annually, and the industry supports $7,826 jobs,” said Gov. Paul R. LePage. “These forestry projects support many of these jobs by benefiting local landscapers, nurseries, foresters and loggers.”
“In addition to their economic impact, the 19 Project Canopy grants will also increase community awareness of the benefits of our forests and trees and promote community forest management practices,” said Commissioner Walt Whitcomb. “This program connects Maine communities with the technical and financial assistance available from forest professionals in our department who help actively maintain and enhance urban and community forests.”
“The city of Presque Isle has been planning to add to its public green space and ‘urban forests’ by adding more trees to the downtown,,” said Kim Smith, the city’s grant writer.
Smith said this spring the plan will be enhanced, thanks in part to grant monies.
“With these grant funds, the city can effectively double the amount of trees it had planned to plant,” she said.
City officials have long recognized the importance of trees in the downtown. The new trees will primarily be planted along the waterfront designated for the new Community Center.
“These new trees will have a positive impact in the downtown by affecting water quality, aesthetics and wildlife habitat. Studies have shown that consumers are more willing to patronize business districts that have tree-lined streets, shaded parking and green spaces. Research also indicates that green spaces elevate home values, generate jobs and economic vitality,” said Smith.
The University of Maine at Presque Isle is also involved in the project.
“Dr. Chunzeng Wang, UMPI professor of earth and environmental sciences, in conjunction with a student under his direction, contributed to this project by mapping the trees in our downtown using the location, species and condition. The newly-completed GIS map and planned urban tree inventory will improve the overall accountability of the city for maintaining both the existing and new trees,” said Smith.
She said the city will also be partnering with the students of SAD 1 for planting and maintenance of the trees.
“All of the city’s trees — whether along streets, in parks, yards or woodlands — contribute to the community’s health. This green infrastructure filters air, provides shade and windscreens, reduces energy use and beautifies the city,” Smith said.
The city will be working closely with the Maine Forest Service district forester to provide best management practices to manage and maintain the trees, noted Smith.
“One additional goal of this grant is to take advantage of all opportunities to educate city staff and the public on these practices with information posted on the city’s website, public workshops, the development of green-space stewardship awards, and distribution of educational pamphlets,” Smith said.
To learn more about the Project Canopy Assistance program, call Project Canopy Director Jan Ames Santerre at 287-4987. FMI, visit www.projectcanopy.me.
