For the 20th year in a row, Benton PUD received the Tree Line USA Award. Given to utilities by the National Arbor Day Foundation, the award honors a commitment to proper tree pruning, planning, and care.
The Tree Line USA Program recognizes utilities that practice the following five core standards:
1. Quality Tree Care — Industry standards for pruning, planting, removals, trenching, and tunneling near trees are consistently followed.
2. Annual Worker Training — Utility employees and contract workers are trained at least annually in best practices.
3. Tree Planting and Public Education — Tree planting and public education programs are available to the public and paying customers, demonstrating proper tree planting, placement, and pruning while expanding the tree canopy in the community.
4. Tree-Based Energy Conservation Program — A formal tree-based energy conservation program is in place, putting special consideration on the value of trees in conserving energy.
5. Arbor Day Celebration — Sponsorship of or participation in annual Arbor Day events at the community level are documented, including collaboration with community groups whenever possible.