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For immediate release
August 6, 2008 at 1:22am
For more information, contact
Patti Bogan, 762-4736

Chugach Electric Association awarded Tree Line USA

Tree Line USA 2008 awardChugach Electric Association has been certified as a Tree Line USA utility for the ninth year in a row. Patricia Joyner, Program Coordinator, from the Alaska Community Forestry Program, Division of Forestry, made the certification presentation at Chugach's July 30 board meeting. The Tree Line USA certification is a National Arbor Day Foundation program that recognizes outstanding right of way and vegetation management practices, and community involvement in tree planting practices around power lines.

The Tree Line USA program promotes the dual goals of dependable utility service and abundant, healthy trees. In order to earn certification, a utility must provide quality tree care and conduct annual worker training and public education. Chugach has a comprehensive program to professionally manage vegetation in its rights of way and help customers make good decisions on what trees and shrubs to plant near electrical equipment. Chugach has a certified arborist on staff to oversee its program.

The National Arbor Day Foundation was founded in 1972 to help people plant and care for trees. South Carolina kicks off the state Arbor Day celebrations in December, with other states following through the month of May. Alaska celebrates Arbor Day the third Monday in May.

Chugach is the largest electric utility in Alaska, providing power for Alaskans throughout the Railbelt through retail, wholesale and economy energy sales.