Town recognized for tree efforts

Ben Thompson, left, of the state Department of Natural Resources, presents the town of Coulee Dam with the Tree City USA award for 2014. Accepting the award for the town is Councilmember Gayle Swagerty. The last year the town received the award was in 2005, The presentation was last Wednesday night at the town council meeting. To earn the designation, a town must maintain a tree board or department, have a community tree ordinance, spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrate Arbor Day. - Roger S. Lucas photo