AKWESASNE -- The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Forestry Resources Program will begin its seasonal program to assist the community with their spring cleanup.

The chipping project will begin taking signups on April 23 at their office located at 449 Frogtown Road. Actual work will begin in late May or early June when weather and ground conditions permit.

Chipping is the removal of dead and down trees, limbs and branches. This eliminates the need to burn and provides a safe and convenient way to get yards in shape for the summer months. The elderly (ages 65 and older) and disabled (evidenced by state or provincial driver disability licensing, placard or plates) are prioritized and will be served first, although, anyone can sign up. The elderly and disabled who are unable to visit the environment office to sign up can be visited by calling the program with name, phone number and address to arrange a site visit, according to a news release from the tribe.

Anyone participating in the program will be required to sign an access waiver before work is done on their property. If there is any question regarding land ownership the Tribe reserves the right to refuse services until the issues are cleared up, the tribe said.

In the past the program has also assisted local cemeteries with clean up and removal of trees and branches and will do so again this year, the tribe said.

Community members can take advantage of these services by getting in touch with the Forestry Program at (518)358-5937.