Copyright Portland Press Herald
Scarborough is one step closer to becoming an officially designated “Tree City.” The Town Council voted Wednesday to adopt a tree care ordinance to regulate the planting, maintenance and removal of trees, shrubs and other plants on town property and public rights of way. The ordinance also establishes a Tree Care Advisory Board, a new body that will develop a list of desirable trees to plant, record and share tree planting information, support tree-related education programs and oversee Arbor Day activities. One of the Town Council’s goals for the year was to become a designated “Tree City USA,” an initiative of the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters. There are more than 3,500 designees nationwide, including neighboring South Portland, Portland, Saco and Westbrook. To qualify, towns must establish a tree board or department, enact a tree care ordinance, agree to an annual expenditure of $2 per capita for community tree care activities and formally observe Arbor Day. “It’s a very proactive approach for communities to take,” said Autumn Speer, the town planner. The town hopes to have the designation by December of next year. Some town members have been concerned about the removal of trees. Kate Bourdas, a member of the Conservation Commission, said Scarborough has shifted and grown since she moved there in 1976. There used to be farms and trees everywhere. Now, it’s shifted to a suburban-urban area. “People want to protect what they know,” she said. “The tree ordinance will maintain the character of the town that people remember.” The ordinance was proposed with the intention of encouraging healthy town ecosystems, improving the air quality and contributing to carbon sequestration. Future tree plantings on town lands must comply with the list of species agreed upon by the board. “I’m supportive of trying to make sure that Scarborough remains beautiful,” Councilor Jon Anderson said. “Trees are part of that. Being able to drive down and see a healthy tree in our community speaks to the vibrancy. It’s something that looks good and is also good for the environment.” Not only do native trees provide beautiful visuals, cooling shade and erosion control, but they also provide food for wildlife, said Andrew Mackie, director of the Scarborough Land Trust. Caterpillars munch on leaves. Baby birds eat the caterpillars. Turkeys, bears and squirrels eat the acorns and nuts. And when the town and individual landowners intentionally plant native species, it will help the town foster a more interconnected habitat. Scarborough Land Trust protects about 2,000 acres. “But we can have a bigger impact in those natural areas that are protected by having these adjoining properties improve their habitats,” Mackie said. And the town has a larger goal of becoming more green. Two summers ago, the town’s open space plan involved the goal of conserving at least 30% of the town’s land by 2030. Right now, 7,302 acres have been preserved, 1,898 acres away from its goal.
