Nominations sought for the 2017 Franklin County Big Tree Contest

FARMINGTON — The Franklin County Big Tree Contest will be held May 1 through Oct. 15.

The goal of this contest is to find really big/old native trees, including the lesser-known trees as listed on the Maine Forest Service website, maineforestservice.org under “Project Canopy.”

After nominations come in to Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District, information will be given to Patty Cormier of the Maine Forest Service, who will visit the site of each nominated tree. The tree may be measured to see if it is the biggest in Franklin County — or even the state. When there is a notable tree, Cormier will photograph it for documentation.

Individuals who nominate a big tree will receive a “Forest Trees of Maine” booklet. Anyone identifying a tree that becomes a state winner will receive recognition at the district’s annual meeting in April, where they will be awarded a certificate, as well as being posted on the Maine Forest Service and the Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District websites.

A nomination form can be picked up at the Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District office at 107 Park St., Farmington, or by visiting www.franklincswcd.org. Required information will include the person nominating the tree, the property owner, where the tree is located, and information on the tree itself.

FMI: 207-592-2238, 207-778-4279, www.franklincswcd.org

Tom Standard stands in front of an eastern white pine on his property in Sumner in 2015. The tree is the largest of its species in Oxford County.

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