For More Information Contact:
Katie Sproles, 341-1850
Eugene Water & Electric Board

March 30, 2009

EWEB receives national tree award for third straight year

The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized the Eugene Water & Electric Board as a Tree Line USA Award recipient for the third straight year. EWEB is one of only three utilities in Oregon and is among just 147 utilities nationwide to be honored this year.

The Tree Line USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters. The program recognizes public and private utilities that demonstrate practices that protect and enhance America’s urban forests.

“Tree Line USA utilities deserve recognition for their commitment to providing safe, efficient service, while helping protect and preserve community trees,” says John Rosenow, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation.

Tree Line USA utilities must meet specific requirements related to quality tree care, annual worker training, tree planting and public education.

EWEB employees a full-time arborist to ensure proper tree-pruning practices occur. The utility also sponsors tree planting and other educational events each year, usually in conjunction with Arbor Week. This year’s activities include tree-planting events at Prairie Mountain School in the Bethel School District and at the Village School in the Eugene School District 4J. In previous years EWEB has donated and planted trees in the Whitaker, Friendly and Trainsong neighborhoods.

EWEB will also give away 300 trees at Eugene’s Earth Day event on April 18 at EWEB’s River Edge Plaza.

National Arbor Day is the last Friday in April. Oregon recognizes Arbor Week as the first full week in April.