ECE achieved Tree Line USA status as a utility provider dedicated to protecting its community’s trees, the Arbor Day Foundation announced recently. This is the seventh consecutive year that the cooperative has earned the distinction.

Through its Tree Line USA program, the Arbor Day Foundation, in cooperation with the National Association of Foresters, recognizes public and private utility providers that demonstrate practices that protect and enhance America’s urban forests. The goal of Tree Line USA is to promote safe, reliable electric service and abundant, healthy trees throughout a utility company’s service areas.

ECE met the five requirements for a Tree Line USA utility: industry standards for quality tree care; annual worker training in best tree-care practices; participates in and sponsors a tree-planting and public education program; has a tree-based energy conservation program; and participates in an Arbor Day celebration.

“Utility providers like East Central Energy are setting a good example about the importance of recognizing the taking care of a valuable community resource like trees,” said John Rosenow, chief executive founder of the Arbor Day Foundation.