PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – Visitors to the Star City recently may have noticed some changes in the greenery, with the replacement of several trees in the community and the planting of some at formerly tree-free locations.
“A Project Canopy Grant made the changes possible,” said George Howe, project administrator.
In an effort to control dust, provide shade, address aesthetics and serve as a filter for noise, lights and pollutants, the city has consistently encouraged the incorporation of trees within its urban compact and downtown areas.
“Similarly, new plantings at the Public Safety Building, which houses both the Police and Fire departments, will create much more friendly, pleasant and less stressful surroundings. In addition, replacement trees at Riverside Park will not only maintain the scenic vista, but create a safer environment for the many children and their families that frequent the park for either leisure or one of the many recreational programs,” said Howe.
Several local agencies worked together on the project.
“Working with the Downtown Revitalization Committee, Central Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District and local certified Arborist Randy Martin, of The King’s Gardener, the city identified the need to lend nature a helping hand to assure this valued asset remained a part of Presque Isle’s atmosphere. These plantings are part of an overall long-term downtown plan to create a balance between business growth and the beauty of nature,” explained Howe.
The goal of the project was to:
• Replace 20 of the 64 trees along Main St. which were either over-mature or had not fared well as street trees;
• Plant 10 new trees at Presque Isle’s Public Safety Building, located at 43 North St.; and
• Replace overgrown and weak-conditioned shrubs at Riverside Park with 20 deciduous trees, located on Riverside Drive.
“Tree species and variety were selected by Martin, who was retained as the city’s arborist. The plantings began around May and have continued throughout the summer,” said Howe, noting any other required plantings would be carried out during the fall months, when the trees are dormant, to enhance their winter survival.
Tree species used include: Lindens, Green Ash, Native Red Maple, Heritage River Birch and Autumn Blaze Pear.
“Maintaining the new and existing trees will be ongoing throughout the warm months,” he said.
Project costs were estimated at just over $34,988. Total costs eligible for reimbursement through the Canopy Grant came to $15,000. The city will pick up the difference through what it calls “in-kind services.”
“The money is coming from in-kind services. Public Works, Rec and Parks will do some of the work – dirt work, removing trees. That cost will be worked into their annual budgets as local maintenance expenses. It’s figured into their budgets,” said City Manager Tom Stevens.
“We’re currently under budget right now, although we still need to complete Riverside. We may also put some in at the library,” added Howe.
Howe said the new trees come with many advantages.
“Healthy trees will create a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, which will encourage business growth and promote an area whereby consumers and public alike will want to walk through and spend time in a shaded and attractively landscaped area, thus increasing business opportunities through customer satisfaction in general. Seniors, as well as the general public, will enjoy shade and pleasant surroundings, while resting at the conveniently located benches, on their routes between venues,” said Howe.
Health benefits also include carbon absorption, oxygen production, storm water control and dust control.
“Those are benefits that are always welcomed within a high-traffic business corridor. The added beauty of these trees will also complement the Presque Isle Historical Society’s existing community tours and help promote tourism in Aroostook County,” said Howe.