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May 31, 2012

Idaho Power Earns 16th Tree Line Honor

The Arbor Day Foundation recently named Idaho Power a 2012 “Tree Line USA Utility” in honor of its commitment to proper tree pruning, planting and care in the provider’s service area. This is the 16th year of recognition for Idaho Power.

Tree Line USA, a partnership between the foundation and National Association of State Foresters, recognizes public and private utilities for pursuing practices that protect and enhance America’s urban trees. Tree Line USA promotes the dual goals of delivering safe and reliable electricity, while “maintaining healthy community forests.”

“Trees are a critical part of urban landscapes all across the United States,” said John Rosenow, founder and Chief Executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Service providers like Idaho Power show that taking care of urban trees is good for business, for customers and for the broader community.”
 
Idaho Power achieved the Tree Line USA recognition by meeting five program standards. Utilities must: follow industry standards for quality tree care; provide annual worker training in best tree-care practices; sponsor a tree-planting and public education program; maintain a tree-based energy conservation program; and participate in an Arbor Day celebration.
 
“The Tree Line USA award is important to Idaho Power because it recognizes our commitment to be positive partners with the communities and customers we serve by following national standards and best practices for quality tree care,” said Engineering Leader Bryan Hobson. “Our certified utility arborists do an excellent job providing quality tree care, educating the public in our ‘right tree, right place’ policy and supporting efforts to maintain healthy trees in our communities.”

Bryan added that Idaho Power is better able to maintain a safe, reliable power system by successfully working with communities and customers to maintain trees and keep proper distance from our power lines.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education organization of one million members, with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.

Visit idahopower.com/trees for more information.

Media contact:
Lynette Berriochoa, Communications Specialist
208-388-2407
LBerriochoa@IdahoPower.com