National Tree Organization Commends Utility's Vegetation Management

April 29, 2010

SALT LAKE CITY – Rocky Mountain Power was named a 2010 Tree Line USA Utility by the National Arbor Day Foundation for the ninth consecutive year. The Tree Line USA program is sponsored in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and recognizes utilities that demonstrate practices that protect and enhance America’s urban forests.

“Rocky Mountain Power prunes trees and vegetation near power lines to ensure a safe and reliable power supply, and employs recognized best practices for vegetation management,” said Randy Miller, the company’s vegetation management director. “The Tree Line USA award is in recognition of our commitment to quality care for trees, annual worker training, tree planting and public education.”

As part of its commitment to proper tree planting, Rocky Mountain Power has provided funding or vouchers for new trees to several Utah communities this year. Among other projects, the company is lending support for an Arbor Day tree planting on May 1 at the town of Peoa’s Woodenshoe Park. The event is sponsored by the Kamas Valley Lions Club and Tree Utah.

In Wyoming, Rocky Mountain Power provided a $2,500 grant to the Wyoming State Forestry Division for tree planting in multiple communities. Part of this funding allowed the City of Casper to purchase trees that will be planted in Casper’s Washington Park on April 30, with the help of local elementary school students.

In Idaho, Rocky Mountain Power provided $3,500 this year to the Idaho Department of State Lands in support of the state’s Arbor Day tree planting program.

Rocky Mountain Power encourages the correct placement and selection of trees planted near power lines, to avoid potential safety or reliability problems:

• Trees that will grow taller than 25 feet should be planted at least 25 feet away from overhead power lines.
• Low-growing trees, those less than 25-feet tall at maturity, may be planted adjacent to overhead lines.
• Trees and shrubs should be planted at least 10 feet away from pad-mounted ground transformers.
• When planting trees, always call 811 to contact the free underground utility locating service in your area at least 48 hours before digging.

Additional tree planting tips and information about Rocky Mountain Power’s vegetation management program are available online at www.rockymountainpower.net/trees. A free copy of the company’s Small Trees for Small Places booklet can be ordered or downloaded from the website. A new interactive version of the booklet which includes video can be viewed online.

Never attempt to prune trees located near power lines. Instead, call Rocky Mountain Power toll free at 888-221-7070.

(Note: This is a compilation of three similar news releases issued in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho.)

 

Media inquiries: 800-775-7950