AUGUSTA – The Maine Tree Farm Committee has announced the selection of Laurence Park of Presque Isle as the Maine Outstanding Tree Farmer of 2008.

In addition to winning the state award, Park also received the Aroostook County award.

Park will receive the award at the 2008 Maine Agricultural Trades Show in Augusta on Jan. 16. A Maine Tree Farm Field Day will be held at the Park Tree Farm next summer for the public to tour.

Runners-up in the Maine Tree Farmer of the Year contest this year were Benjamin Welch of Dixfield and Andrew Abello and Amanda Russell of Edgecomb.

Welch also received the Oxford County Tree Farmer of 2008 Award, while Abello and Russell’s Wind Ridge Farm received the Lincoln County Tree Farmer of 2008 Award. Ronald and Sandra Kostron of China received the Kennebec County Tree Farmer of 2008 Award.