Nikon ad teases retro-styled full-frame DSLR, possibly called the Nikon DF

<Nikon D5300 Cheapp>Rumors about Nikon launching a retro-styled full-frame shooter have been confirmed by the camera giant with the release of a teaser ad this week.

The first of five ads in Nikon's "Pure Photography" ad campaign shows a guy "alone in a bleak landscape", as the accompanying blurb informs us, adding, "Something has been missing in his creative life."

He certainly looks as if he has things on his mind; perhaps he's worried about how much he'll have to shell out for the new camera, or maybe he's concerned about claims that it'll have no video functionality.

Being a teaser (check it out below), Nikon doesn't actually show us the camera. Instead, we can hear it in all its retro glory. By that, we mean we can hear the heavy clicks as the actor turns the shooter's dials, and then, the real giveaway, the sound of the shutter, one that'll be familiar to those with experience of film SLR cameras and which may cause a warm, fuzzy feeling in their tummies. Go on, have a listen and lose yourself in a haze of nostalgic bliss.

Nikon Rumors claims the new camera will be called the Nikon DF, with DF standing for Digital Fusion. Design-wise, it's expected to resemble the camera maker's old F3 film cameras (above) popular with professional photographers in the 1980s and beyond.

The DF's autofocus system is rumored to be the same as Nikon's recently released entry-level full-frame D610 camera, with 39 points. Additionally, the upcoming camera is thought to incorporate settings for 1:1, 3:2, and 16:9 aspect ratios. Add a full-frame FX sensor, an EVF/OVF hybrid viewfinder, and a Nikon 50mm f/1.8G lens and we may have ourselves a very stylish piece of kit.

Now Nikon has rolled out its first ad, we probably don't have too long to wait before the big reveal - in fact, there's already a space for it on Nikon's website alongside its other full-frame offerings.

Source: Digitaltrends

Nikon DF Announcement Rumored For 5th November

<Nikon D5300 Black Friday Dealp>Nikon has been rumored to be getting themselves ready for a launch of one of their new cameras, a certain Nikon DF which is allegedly a hybrid full-frame mirrorless camera system, akin to Sony's recently announced A7 AND A7R products. We had heard that an early November announcement of the camera was a possibility and now according to Nikon Rumors, an announcement for the 5th of November will most likely be taking place. We're not sure where they are getting their information from, but presumably it is coming from one of their sources, so we guess you should take this news with a grain of salt for now.

As to what we might be able to expect, well the Nikon DF is said to feature a body whose design is similar to that of the Nikon FM2, giving it a more retro look. It is said to sport a full-frame sensor (the megapixels are unknown at this point in time), and will have the same AF system found on the Nikon D610, meaning that photographers can look forward to a 39-point AF system. It will also have settings for 1:1, 3:2, and 16:9 aspect ratios, and there is a chance that the camera might come without video recording capabilities.

Source: Ubergizmo

Nikon Unveils D5300 DSLR With WiFi, GPS

By Greg Tarr On Oct 17 2013 - 10:59am

Nikon D5300 Discount's D5300 ($799 body only) is the company's first DSLR to incorporate WiFi and GPS geotagging.

Melville, N.Y. - Nikon introduced Thursday its D5300 D-SLR, offering an enhanced 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor and a Nikon-first built-in Wi-Fi and GPS.

The company also added an AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G lens prime lens.

Nikon's D5300, which will be available in October for a $799.95 (body only) suggested retail price or $1,399.95 for a kit including the camera and an AF-S Nikkor 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens , is the company's first D-SLR with built-in Wi-Fi and GPS functionality to provide instant photo sharing with smartphones or tablets, and to enable geotagging images.

The camera incorporates a 24.2-megapizel DX-format CMOS sensor and is features a compact, lightweight ergonomically body design.

Other key features include a 3.2-inch swiveling Vari-angle LCD display; a 39-point AF system with 9 cross-type sensors; 5 fps continuous shooting, FullHD 1080p video capture with built-in stereo microphone; intuitive scene recognition and a variety of image efects and in-camera editing tools.

The D5300 will be available in a choice of black, red and gray body colors.

The AF-S Nikkor 58mm f/1.4G lens, which will be available in October for a $1,699.95 suggested retail price, will accommodate both FX and DX format cameras offering high quality low-light shooting performance.

Nikon said the unusual 58mm focal length is ideal for portraits, landscapes and street photography.

Source: Twice

Nikon D5300 DSLR Unveiled, 24.2MP Successor to the D5200

Posted on 18. Oct, 2013 by Steve in Digital Cameras

Nikon D5300 Black Friday Deal-with-18-140mm-Nikkor-lens.jpg">Nikon has unveiled the successor to the popular Nikon D5200 digital SLR, which the company launched almost one year ago, the new model is named Nikon D5300. The new Nikon D5300 will start to ship early next month with a retail price that is just under $800 for the camera body. The D5300 and the D5200 both share a similar body design, but there are minor differences or improvements that the D5300 has to offer buyers.

The improvements list is short and consists of features that enhance the photographic abilities of the camera and a feature that brings the camera up-to-date with a new digital camera market trend.

Improvements that will help the overall performance of the new Nikon D5300 over the now-old D5200 include a newly designed and higher resolution CMOS image sensor along with a brand new image processor.

Between the Nikon D5200 and the new Nikon D5300, the 24.2 megapixel D5300 has just 0.1 megapixels more resolution than the 24.1 megapixel D5200, however the D5300′s sensor has no built-in OLPF (optical low pass filter) and Nikon say's that will help with image clarity, both the old D5200 and new D5300 use similarly sized DX-format CMOS image sensors.

Nikon D5300 digital SLR gallery:

The new image processor that you will be getting with the upcoming Nikon D5300 is Nikon's newly developed EXPEED 4 image processor. According to Nikon, the new EXPEED 4 offers fast performance while 'maximizing energy efficiency, reducing image noise and delivering true-to-life colors'. The D5200 digital SLR features the EXPEED 3 image processing engine.

After the new image sensor and processor the only other major new feature included with the new Nikon D5300 digital SLR is Wi-Fi. The camera will be shipped with Wi-Fi capabilities built-in that don't need any external accessories like the Nikon WU-1a. The built-in Wi-Fi will let you pair your D5300 to your mobile devices iOS or Android after you install the Nikon Wireless Mobile Utility free app. Also the Wi-Fi working with the cameras built-in GPS can geo-tag files all without external accessories.

However, with the Nikon Wireless Mobile Utility app you will be able to complete functions like remote shooting where you can use your mobile device as a live view enabled wireless remote for snapping photos, wireless transferring of photo and video files, manual file upload for sending files to your mobile device even when you're not paired to the device (the image just downloads later when you are paired).

After you consider all of those differences the Nikon D5300 isn't really a radically new camera compared to the out-going Nikon D5200. However nobody should have expected a totally different camera given the very short gap between the two cameras launches, the D5200 was launched November of last year.

Some big similarities include Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps, continuous Shooting up to 5 fps, expandable ISO from 100-25600, 39-Point auto-focusing system, active D-Lighting and built-in HDR, Nikon F mount support, and an at eye-level pentamirror optical viewfinder.

From an exterior design perspective you can really see the lack of a re-design in the D5300 compared to the D5200. The only difference in looks is the vari-angle LCD is now 3.2-inches with the D5300 instead of 3.1-inches. Even with the color options the new Nikon D5300 is much like the D5200, the new camera will be offered in Black, Red or Grey colors.

Camera seller B&H Photo Video is offering pre-orders for the Nikon D5300 body at $796.95 (same price for each color) and they are offering a body+14-140mm telephoto zoom lens kit (pictured first above) for $1,396.95. With this particular retailer you can expect your pre-ordered D5300 camera to ship on November 14, 2013 according to notice put on each listing.

Tags: 1080p, 3.2-inch Vari-Angle LCD, 720p hd, active D-Lighting, auto-focus system, cmos sensor, digital camera, dslr, DX-format DSLR, full hd, FullHD, gps, hd, hdmi, hdr, image stabilization system, interchangeable lens, memory card, Nikon, Nikon D5300, Nikon dslr, Nikon Expeed 4, Nikon F mount, Nikon Wireless Mobile Utility, optical low pass filter, optical viewfinder, pentamirror optical viewfinder, sd memory card, sdhc memory card, sdxc memory card, tilt LCD, Video, wi-fi

Source: Digital-cameras-planet

'Sexy' costumes come under fire

<cop costume for toddlerp>We're always looking for news, sports, and entertainment footage that you've taken around town, to share with The Province readers. Upload your videos through YouTube, as follows. Thanks!

Source: Theprovince

A Peek Into The Private Lives Of 'Burton And Taylor'

You have to be of a certain age to remember firsthand the tornado of publicity that erupted when Liz Taylor, the former child star turned screen vamp, first met British stage star Richard Burton on the set of the 1963 movie cleopatra makeup step by step. But it's still one of Hollywood's most famous and inescapable love stories.

He played Mark Antony, she played the Queen of the Nile, and just like their onscreen characters, they fell in love. Though Liz and Dick were married to others at the time, they began a torrid affair, the coverage of which spread outside the gossip columns. Eventually, they divorced their spouses and got married. After 10 years and many films together, they divorced - then, after a while, married each other a second time, then got divorced again. That all happened by 1976.

In the early '80s, Liz and Dick decided to reunite once again - but this time, only professionally, as the stars of a limited-run Broadway revival of the Noel Coward comedy Private Lives. The play was about a long-divorced couple who meet while on honeymoons with new spouses - but whose love for one another is rekindled during the chance encounter.

Liz, who was popping pills and drinking at the time, may have wished for life to imitate art. Dick, newly sober, considered Liz one more compelling addiction it was wiser for him to avoid. And it's this period of their lives that screenwriter William Ivory examines in the new BBC America telemovie import, Burton and Taylor.

It's a highly entertaining study, for two reasons. One is the decision to peek at the private lives of these very public figures through such a tiny, fixed peephole. It's much more satisfying than watching a boring by-the-numbers recreation of career highlights, like last year's horrible Lifetime telemovie Liz & Dick, starring Lindsay Lohan. That wasmore focused on getting the costumes and makeup right than caring about the performances or character insights. Burton and Taylor, though, stays in one place long enough to make us feel their emotions - and, because of the excellent performances, believe them.

The performances are the other reason this drama works. The stars of Burton and Taylor sound like unlikely choices, but they mesh perfectly. Helena Bonham Carter, who's spent much of the past decade playing cartoonish characters for Tim Burton and others, plays Liz with a fire, and a vulnerability, that quickly make the impersonation succeed. And as Richard Burton, one of the most commanding and forceful actors of his generation, the movie casts Dominic West, whom fans of The Wire know well as Detective McNulty.

Here, the native British actor gets to drop the accent he used for that HBO series, and approximate Richard Burton's gravelly, velvety tones. West does it so well that he, too, quickly makes you forget about the performer and get drawn into the often intimate action.

Burton and Taylor is as serious as last year's Liz & Dick telemovie was campy. For writer Ivory and director Richard Laxton, it's easily a career best. For the stars, it's one more triumph to add to their already impressive resumes. And for other TV writers and producers looking to dramatize the lives of famous figures, Burton and Taylor - like Steven Spielberg's narrowly focused movie biography of Lincoln - serves as a very clear lesson. Sometimes, when deciding how much of a life to examine, less very definitely is more.

Source: Npr

Outdoor enthusiasts flock to opening of Bass Pro Shops

<muzzyp>

Tina Russell / Observer-Dispatch

People file into Bass Pro Shops in Utica during its grand opening in North Utica Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013.

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The Houser family showed up to the Bass Pro Shops Outpost on Wednesday night to find some new gear for the family's youngest hunter.

On Monday, Alexis, accompanied by her father, Eric, will be going bow-hunting for the first time.

"She's been with me watching before but she's 12 so this will be her first time," he said.

Alexis said her favorite part of hunting is seeing the animals and being successful.

The Housers were some of the early arrivals to the store's grand opening at Riverside Center in North Utica.

While the 60,000-square-foot facility didn't draw the expected 9,000 outdoor enthusiasts, by the time the doors opened just after 6:30 p.m., a sizeable crowd filled the parking lot in front of the store.

John Eberley of Whitesboro came to Bass Pro to look for some new arrowheads.

"It's interesting," he said. "I might look for some replacement broadheads, just see what they have."

Television host Jimmy Houston of "Jimmy Houston Outdoors" emceed the opening ceremonies.

As the crowd slowly filled the parking lot leading up to the ceremony, Bass Pro employees and Trax, the Utica College mascot, fired T-shirts into the crowd.

The store created more than 200 new jobs and as part of the evening, half of the proceeds from Wednesday's sales were donated to conservation efforts.

Bass Pro will be the fourth sporting goods store to open in the area, joining Dick's Sporting Goods, Gander Mountain and Herb Philipson's.

As with any store opening, the ceremony included an official ribbon cutting, but staying with Bass Pro's outdoor theme, the ribbon was cut with a large hunting knife.

Follow @OD_Hughes on Twitter or call him at 792-5063.

The Houser family showed up to the Bass Pro Shops Outpost on Wednesday night to find some new gear for the family's youngest hunter.

On Monday, Alexis, accompanied by her father, Eric, will be going bow-hunting for the first time.

"She's been with me watching before but she's 12 so this will be her first time," he said.

Alexis said her favorite part of hunting is seeing the animals and being successful.

The Housers were some of the early arrivals to the store's grand opening at Riverside Center in North Utica.

While the 60,000-square-foot facility didn't draw the expected 9,000 outdoor enthusiasts, by the time the doors opened just after 6:30 p.m., a sizeable crowd filled the parking lot in front of the store.

John Eberley of Whitesboro came to Bass Pro to look for some new arrowheads.

"It's interesting," he said. "I might look for some replacement broadheads, just see what they have."

Television host Jimmy Houston of "Jimmy Houston Outdoors" emceed the opening ceremonies.

As the crowd slowly filled the parking lot leading up to the ceremony, Bass Pro employees and Trax, the Utica College mascot, fired T-shirts into the crowd.

The store created more than 200 new jobs and as part of the evening, half of the proceeds from Wednesday's sales were donated to conservation efforts.

Bass Pro will be the fourth sporting goods store to open in the area, joining Dick's Sporting Goods, Gander Mountain and Herb Philipson's.

As with any store opening, the ceremony included an official ribbon cutting, but staying with Bass Pro's outdoor theme, the ribbon was cut with a large hunting knife.

Follow @OD_Hughes on Twitter or call him at 792-5063.

Source: Uticaod

Official Nexus 7 Flip Cases Hit Google Play in Four Colors, Steep $49.99 Price - Droid Life

Google pushed out brand new "official" Nexus 7 (2013) flip 5s iphone cases life proof skin to Google Play this morning that run $49.99 a piece. The cases come in four colors: red, blue, white, and black. The red and blue versions are mostly grey suede, though, but have red and blue interiors for pops of color. Each case also features a lower-left positioned Google flag, so you'll never forget who designed your protective cover.

This case is the "first tablet case designed by Google" for your new Nexus 7, which features a built-in stand and a body that is "made to the exact specifications of your Google-designed technology."

I've got to say, that these are indeed quite pretty cases. The price is throwing me off a bit at $49.99, but we have a couple on order already to report back to you with. Also, don't forget to check out our mega-comparison of various low-priced cases that can be had through Amazon for as little as $5.

Source: Droid-life

Masonry fall from Darlington town clock sparks investigation

<mkh3>Masonry fall from Darlington town clock sparks investigation

5:00pm Thursday 3rd October 2013 in Darlington By Vicki Henderson, Darlington reporter

The area cordoned off around the Darlington town clock

AN investigation is underway after pieces of masonry fell from Darlington's historic town clock.

The area around the Grade II listed clock tower has been cordoned off by staff from Darlington Borough Council after parts of the facade fell to the ground.

No-one was hurt during the masonry fall and there are no indications that there is a serious problem with the building.

A council spokeswoman said the authority had taken steps to secure the site as soon it was made aware of the incident.

She added: "A structural engineer is due to attend the site next week to inspect the clock tower and to assess its current condition.

"We have an ongoing commitment to inspect and maintain all council buildings and are fully aware of the additional potential risks posed by high level buildings."

Refurbishment work was done to the highest parts of the tower ten years ago.

Councillor Bill Stenson, one of the longest serving council members, said he was concerned to hear about any damage to the clock, but said he felt confident repairs would be made quickly.

He said: "I think the council has always looked after the town clock. There's no way the council would let that go to a point where it's going to cause problems.

"Hopefully it's just a bit of pointing and they'll be able to get it fixed. It might only be something small now but it could be a bigger problem soon."

Although supportive of the work to maintain the town clock, Councillor Stenson has again spoken of his concerns about the state of the High Row steps, installed as part of the pedestrianisation of the town centre.

The steps have been known to slide out of position and Coun Stenson said he was worried that they appear to have moved again.

The council said work to push the stones back into position takes place about twice a year and they are monitored regularly.

Coun Stenson said: "If people fall down them because they are out of place or covered in ice in winter there really will be trouble.

"I go down to the town centre a couple of times a week and I always keep an eye of them and I've noticed that some of them are moving again. If they go any further they will become dangerous."

The council's spokeswoman said: "Our Highways team regularly inspects the steps in the town centre and any that have worked their way forward are pushed back into place and secured using a silicone gel."

Source: Thenorthernecho

LifeProof Debuts Two New Galaxy S4 WaterProof Cases

Case maker LifeProof has announced two new additions to its popular case line, both of which are compatible with Samsung's latest flagship device: the Samsung Galaxy S4.

The first case in the new Galaxy S4 compatible line-up, the LifeProof nuud Galaxy S4, offers much of the same profile that users get with the nuud Samsung Galaxy S3. That includes the company's drop protection for falls of up to 6.6 feet, water resistance for up to 6.6 feet and clear rear-facing and front-facing shell. That clear shell allows users to still showcase the color of their device, while protecting the particularly fragile Galaxy S4 from dirt, dust snow and ice. Although the case does nearly completely encapsulate the Galaxy S4, users shouldn't have a problem accessing its buttons and jacks. The LifeProof nuud, will debut at $89.99.

For $79.99, Galaxy S4 fre case allows users to protect their investment completely, thanks to a built-in screen protector. That's in addition to the case also being fully submersible in water for 6.6 feet, and rated for drops as high as 6.6 feet. Users can still show off the color of their phone with the rear-case window and it too allows users access to the headphone jack and USB port of the Galaxy S4 without any trouble.

As for looks and functionality, both 5s iphone cases lifeproof echo mirror the LifeProof nuud Galaxy S3 case GottaBeMobile reviewed last month. We found the case to be particularly well made, going so far as to declare it the "best Galaxy S3 waterproof case we've tried."

Read: LifeProof nuud Galaxy S3 Review: Waterproof Case

While users can't purchase either of the cases just yet, they can sign up to receive an email alert from LifeProof the moment the cases are available. A press release made available to GottaBeMobile indicated that users should expect each case to go on sale this month.

Although some users might balk at both cases' price tags, it's likely that they will thank themselves for making the large investment should they ever drop their device in water or on a hard surface. The Galaxy S4 is legendary for providing small software based features meant to enhance user's lives, however most users would agree that its somewhat flimsy back and plastic edges mean the phone is very susceptible to trauma.

Source: Gottabemobile

Pow Wow, Octoberfest and a film festival scheduled this weekend

<wowp>

Manton Apple Festival

Apples, apple pies and other apple specialities will be featured at the Manton Apple Festival from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Manton School, 31345 Forward Road, Manton.

This annual festival held the first Saturday of October will also feature vendors selling hand made craft items, jewelry and food. There will be free carriage rides, country and blue grass music as well as an apple pie and pie eating contests.

The Manton Museum will be open so visitors can learn more about the history of the area. Local vineyards will offer wine tastings in the afternoon. No pets, alcohol, drugs or tobacco products are allowed at this event.

Soroptimist International of Redding 16th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon

Jonna Tamases will be the guest speaker at the Soroptimist International of Redding's Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon at 11 a.m. Friday.

Tamases is the playwright and performer of "Jonna's Body, Please Hold," a one-woman play that chronicles her journey through breast cancer.

The luncheon will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at the Redding Civic Auditorium, 700 Auditorium Drive, Redding.

The event also includes raffles and the person of distinction presentation.

Proceeds provide mammograms to people in the North State community who otherwise could not afford them.

Tickets are $35 each and are available at Kueblers Furniture and Banner Real Estate, both in Redding, or by calling 227-0251.

Oktoberfest at Hawes Ranch

This weekend Hawes Ranch celebrates the German tradition of Oktoberfest at the ranch, 21923 Dersch Road, Anderson.

Activities kick off at 4 p.m. Friday, with a traditional keg tapping at 5:30 p.m.

On Saturday, the festival starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 11 p.m. Starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, The Mellodramatics will lead the "Rocktoberfest" dance party.

On Sunday, the fest will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

During Oktoberfest, a variety of German food will be served, such as bratwurst, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, hot pretzles, roasted chicken and pork.

Admission is $12.95 a person and includes Oktoberfest activities, farm attractions, corn maze and movies after dark. Food and drinks are extra.

For more information, go to http://www.historichawesfarms.com/

Redding Rancheria's Stillwater Pow Wow

The Redding Rancheria will celebrate American Indian culture and traditions at its annual Pow Wow Friday through Sunday at the Shasta District Fair grounds, 1890 Briggs St., Anderson.

Photo by Hung T. Vu

The weekend will feature dancing, a hand game tournament and a drum contest. No alcohol, smoking or drugs are allowed at this family-friendly event.

The Pow Wow will be from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is $2 a person.

For more information, go to www.redding-rancheria.com.

Manhattan Short Film Festiva

Film buffs will have a chance to see 10 short films and vote on their favorite at the Manhattan Short Film Festival at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Cascade Theatre, 1731 Market St., Redding.

Redding is just one stop on this festival's global tour that introduces audiences to 10 short films and gives them a chance to pick their favorite.

The 10 finalist films being screened are: "Do I Have to Take Care of Everything," "Black Metal," "Faces From Places," "#30," "I am a Big Ball of Sadness," "Friday," "Kizmet Diner," "Irish Folk Furniture," "No Comment," "Pale of Settlement."

Tickets are $18 each. For more information, go to http://www.cascadetheatre.org.

2013 Community Creek CleanUp

Get outside, get some exercise and help clean up along the Sacramento River Saturday morning.

The Community Creek Cleanup will be from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday on the north side of the Sacramento River Trail. The area to be cleaned up will be between Market Stree and the Sundial Bridge.

Volunteers will help remove trash and invasive plants such as Himalayan blackberry, ailanthus, pyracantha, fruiting mulberry, mimosa, acacia, black locust and arundo. They should bring water and wear closed-toe shoes, long pants and sunscreen. Tools, gloves and goggles will be provided. Volunteers should be 10 and older.

To register, please go to www.shastacreeks.com.

Admission is free.

French Country Market

Pilgrim Congregational Church invites people to visit its French Country Market this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church, 2850 Foothill Blvd., Redding.

This event features a French Bistro lunch for $10. It also includes music and raffles. Vendors will be selling home and garden items, collectibles, baked goods, crafts, jewelry and wine items.

Proceeds help fund community service projects.

Admission is free.

For more information, call 243-3121 or go to www.pilgrimchurchredding.com.

Bark and Wine and Brew

Haven Humane Society will hold its sixth annual Bark and Wine and Brew from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Red Lion Inn, 1830 Hilltop Drive, Redding.

This evening includes wine and beer tasting, hors d'oeuvres, music, live and silent auctions and raffles.

Tickets are $35 each. You can also purchase a VIP package that includes two tickets, a raffle ticket in a drawing to win a Lake Tahoe vacation, special seating and a gift from Haven.

This event is for people 21 and older.

Proceeds help support animals at Haven Humane.

Source: Redding

Chicopee City Council questions funding on tree program

<couponp>CHICOPEE - City Councilors criticized the way a program to evaluate trees was handled but will allow it to continue.

Early this year the city received a $23,500 Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Urban Forestry grant to inventory the location and type of all trees in the city. Councilors, who were hesitant to approve the grant at first, later learned the cost of the program more than doubled.

In a routine review of city expenses, councilor Gerry Roy discovered that an additional $38,500 was withdrawn from a forestry department account to finish the inventory.

Recently Councilors asked the Community Development Department, which is overseeing the project, to explain the cost overrun and why the department had not requested the transfer from the City Council as is routine. This week they submitted a report of the discussion.

"The problem is they did not come to us for a transfer," Roy said, adding the money was taken from an account for tree trimming and related expenses such as police details.

"It just wasn't handled right. I hope they will come to us in the future," Councilor James K. Tillotson said.

The overrun was caused in part by the fact that the original grant and the department figured the city had 5,000 trees on public ways. When the count began, it was discovered the number was seriously underestimated and the city in fact has about 15,00 trees.

The city was also supposed to use a number of volunteers but then it hired Davey Resource Group and no volunteers were actually used, Roy said.

"It made sense but it took on a life of its own," he said.

Along with counting and mapping the trees on a GPS system, the city also recorded the overall condition of each tree and set priorities on which needed to be removed, pruned or treated for disease.

The program gives the city a record of what type of species are planted in different neighborhoods so the city can diversify the species so, in the case of disease, all trees on one street are not killed.

It also shows city officials there is a lack of trees so they can plant more when they have an opportunity.

Source: Masslive