Union Power Awarded for Top-Quality Tree Care for 16 Consecutive Years
April 15, 2021
A true testament to our commitment to safety and reliability, The Arbor Day Foundation has named Union Power a 2021 Tree Line USA utility to honor its commitment to proper tree pruning, planting, and care throughout our service area for the 16th consecutive year.
“I am glad a program like Tree Line USA exists, as it sets a template for higher standards for utilities wishing to do better. We work diligently to keep our right-of-ways safe for our members, employees, and communities,” said Wil Ortiz, manager of vegetation management at Union Power. “Our level of reliability of service to our members speaks for itself, and the high level of replacement plantings we are undertaking is positively impacting our communities for the better.”
Tree Line USA is a national program recognizing public and private utilities for practices that protect and enhance America’s urban forests. A collaboration of the Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters, Tree Line USA promotes the dual goals of delivering safe and reliable electricity while maintaining healthy community trees.
“Trees are a critical part of urban landscapes all across the United States,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “They provide important benefits to residents, including clean air, clean water, and a tolerable climate. Service providers like Union Power Cooperative demonstrate that it’s possible for trees and utilities to co-exist for the benefit of communities and citizens.”
Since the beginning, Union Power has consistently achieved Tree Line USA by meeting these five program standards:
- Following industry standards for quality tree care.
- Providing annual employee training in best tree care practices.
- Sponsoring a tree planting and public education program.
- Maintaining a tree-based energy conservation program.
- Participating in an Arbor Day celebration.
For more information on Union Power’s Vegetation Management Program, please visit union-power.com/vegetation-management.
Celebrating Earth Day
On April 22, Union Power, along with billions of others around the world, will celebrate Earth Day. And while every day is technically a great day to be kind to the planet, this is a day to show our appreciation and start practicing more earth-friendly habits.
Here are five simple earth-friendly tips you can start practicing today to celebrate and save the Earth!
- Take a shorter shower and use a water-saving shower head.
- Buy and use reusable bags at the grocery store.
- Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
- Use reusable bottles for water and reusable mugs for coffee.
- Turn off and unplug unused electronics.
Earth Day comes once a year, but these lifestyle changes can be beneficial for the other 364 days, as well as many years to come! To learn more ways you can celebrate and help save the Earth, visit earthday.org/earth-day-tips.