ATC receives award for caring for trees eight years in a row
American Transmission Co. has received the Tree Line USA award from the Arbor Day Foundation association for the eighth year in a row. The award recognizes utilities that are committed to best practices in utility arboriculture. To be recognized, utilities must adhere to industry standards for tree care, train employees and contractors on those best practices annually, provide tree planting and public education programs, have a tree-based energy conservation program and celebrate annual Arbor Day events.
“We care about the environment, and trees planted the smart way help enhance our communities,” said Ben Gura, ATC senior vegetation management specialist. “We are proud of our environmental commitment, and we’re honored to accept this award again this year.”
ATC is committed to environmental leadership in all aspects of our business, and we have a number of programs and practices designed to help the environment and trees.
ATC partners with the Milwaukee Bucks to plant one tree in Wisconsin communities for each 3-point shot the Bucks make at home through the Tress for Threes program. In 2016, ATC donated 355 trees to Wisconsin communities. This year, schools can apply to receive trees.
ATC’s Community Planting Program supports efforts to beautify communities in the ATC service area in a way that fits our safety and maintenance standards. Eligible cities, villages, towns, counties and tribes may apply for financial support for planting projects on public property.
ATC’s Grow Smart® program, in partnership with horticulturist and gardening expert Melinda Myers, helps property owners and communities identify low-growing, beautiful vegetation that can be planted the smart way – a safe distance from transmission line rights-of-way.
Because of ATC’s commitment to environmental leadership, we also have a Green Professional designation from the Green Masters Program, and we are a member of Michigan’s Clean Corporate Citizen Program.
