LEWISTON - The Lewiston-Auburn Community Forest Board has received a $10,000 grant from Project Canopy, administered by the Maine Forest Service. The grant will support a shared-cost tree planting program in the Twin Cities.

Property owners may apply to have a 2- to 2.5-inch diameter, 8- to 10-foot tree planted in the public right of way in front of their houses. The city arborist will review the applications and help landowners select the type of trees that are best suited to their sites.

The cost to the landowner is $100. The total cost of buying and planting the tree is about $325. Applications will be taken through July 31. The trees will be planted in the fall. Applications are available from Doug Beck at the Auburn Parks and Recreation Department, telephone 784-0191.

USDA Forest Service research shows that city trees are valuable and growing assets worth three times the investment. One hundred mature trees remove 37 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and catch 139,000 gallons of rainwater each year.

Research shows that tree-filled neighborhoods are safer and more sociable. Trees reduce home air conditioning and heating costs. Each large front-yard tree adds 1 percent to a house's sales price.

The Lewiston-Auburn Community Forest Board was established in 2000 to enhance, promote and maintain the community forest. The Twin Cities were recognized for being named Tree Cities USA for four years at Arbor Week ceremonies in Augusta on May 21.

The Twin Cities are home to two champion trees in the Maine Big Tree Register, a 91-foot Colorado blue spruce and a star magnolia with a circumference of 66 inches.