DCR names Tree City USA Awards

SAUGUS – The Department of Conservation and Recreation named Saugus a Tree City for the 14th year in a row.The DCR presented Saugus with the Tree City USA Award along with 76 other Massachusetts communities at a presentation at Wheelock College last week.?DCR is proud of the cities and towns across the Commonwealth that have devoted so many resources to planting and caring for their trees,” said DCR Commissioner Ed Lambert in a press release from the DCR. “It is important to continue this work and honor arborists statewide following the damage done to trees during the unusual weather events of the past two years.”Nancy Prag, the chairman of the Saugus Tree Committee, said continued community service and constant care of the town?s tree farm is what keeps Saugus? streak alive.?We always do the poster contest for fifth-graders for the four elementary schools and post the winners at the Saugus Library throughout the summer,” said Prag. “We planted several trees and we actually had help from National Grid this year.”Prag said National Grid donated a landscaper to help move some of the larger trees from the tree farm to be planted on Winter Street.Prag said the committee also planted new trees at the town?s four elementary schools and at the homes of several residents who lost trees during storms, all free of charge.?If people have requests that they?d like to plant trees, we?d much rather plant in front of somebody?s home that is going to take care of it and water it,” she said.According to the DCR, to receive designation as an official Tree City, cities and towns must meet four criteria: they must establish a department devoted to tree care, spend at least $2 per capita per year on urban forestry, enforce laws protecting public trees and host an Arbor Day celebration.Other North Shore communities to be awarded include Lynn (23), Marblehead (14) and Swampscott (22).Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].