Alliances and memberships with vegetation experts and professionals

MARCH 21, 2008
Arbor Day Foundation Honors
Sumterville, FL – The national Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Sumter Electric Cooperative (SECO) as earning the Tree Line USA designation from the foundation. In order to receive the Tree Line USA designation utilities must meet three requirements: they must have a proven program of quality tree care, they must conduct annual training of employees in quality tree care practices, and they must have a tree planting and public education program.

The Arbor Day Foundation sponsors the Tree Line USA program in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters.
John Rosenow, chief executive of the foundation, noted that trees are extremely beneficial in helping to clean the air and water. They also help conserve water and increase property values. He pointed out that Tree Line USA utilities bring their communities many environmental and economic benefits.

SECO CEO Jim Duncan said, “We are honored to have been designated a Tree Line USA utility. Proper tree care enhances our ability to deliver reliable electric power and insures that more beautiful trees will live on into the future. We are very proud of our tree program here at SECO and it is yet another example of this co-op’s concern for our environment and the creatures that share it with us.”
For additional data on SECO’s tree program interested persons can go to www.secoenergy.com and go to the drop down menu under the heading “environment” where there is a wealth of information for public consumption. SECO serves 164,000 members and their families in Marion, Lake, Citrus, Sumter, Levy, Pasco and Hernando counties.

International Society of Arboriculture
The International Society of Arboriculture is a worldwide professional organization dedicated to fostering a greater appreciation for trees and to promoting research, technology, and the professional practice of arboriculture.

This Web site offers a tremendous amount of information worth checking out. The section called Trees Are Good provides lots of information and photos of trees.

Utility Arborist Association
Their mission is to provide UAA members with opportunities to improve their skills and knowledge, and enhance public awareness. They are the premier organization for individuals who desire to provide professional utility arboricultural services. Members of the UAA and their employers have a commitment to the public to enhance the practice of arboriculture.

The UAA accomplishes its mission through communication and education via the UAA Quarterly, the UAA Annual Meeting, sponsoring regional workshops, an annual UAA scholarship, UAA annual awards programs, and UAA publications and videos. The UAA sustains long-range programs and communications to stay abreast of ever-changing technologies in tree and vegetation management on utility rights-of-way.

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Page last updated: Wednesday, May 7, 2008