OUC has earned the Arbor Day Foundation Tree Line USA© designation for 2024, marking the 25th consecutive year the utility has been recognized for its commitment to effective vegetation management. OUC is the longest-running recipient of the award in Florida.
Tree Line USA© is a national initiative that encourages public and private utilities to adopt practices that protect and enhance America’s urban forests. A partnership of the Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters, the program promotes the dual goals of delivering safe and reliable electricity by protecting infrastructure while maintaining healthy community trees.
To achieve this status, OUC must meet five rigorous standards for sustainable urban forest management, including quality tree care, annual employee training for best tree-care practices, sponsorship of tree plantings, public education programs and participation in an Arbor Day celebration.
“Year after year, we look for new ways to integrate the Tree Line USA’s five core standards into our Vegetation Management program. This initiative has helped us enhance our arboricultural practices and strengthen our connections with our community,” said Erin Givens, OUC Vegetation Program Manager.
“It’s exciting to see OUC celebrate a quarter-century of being a Tree Line USA utility. It also shows our unwavering commitment to maintaining our urban forest, supporting our community, and serving all our customers.”
