PPL received the Pennsylvania Urban and Community Forestry Council’s annual Community Forestry Industry Award October 20.

The award, presented during the 14th annual Pennsylvania Community Forestry Conference in State College, recognized the company for its tree care practices and support of community forestry programs.

“We’re proud to receive this award,” said John F. Sipics, president of PPL Electric Utilities. “Trees add beauty to our communities, and they’re essential to our environment. That’s why we work hard to protect the trees we prune and to support tree replacement programs.”

The award specifically recognized the company’s involvement with the council’s Municipal Tree Restoration Program. Through the program, PPL Electric Utilities assists in municipal tree replacement projects by removing — rather than just pruning — trees that interfere with power lines. Municipalities prepare plans with the cooperation of utility foresters and can receive funds to purchase replacement trees.

The program helps communities select the right trees to plant near power lines. These are trees that will have plenty of room to reach their mature height and shape without encroaching on the lines.

In presenting the award, the Pennsylvania Urban and Community Forestry Council also recognized the company’s use of pruning techniques that minimize the stress to trees and leave as many branches as possible. In addition, it recognized the company’s efforts to educate customers and contractors about proper pruning techniques.

The Pennsylvania Urban and Community Forestry Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving community forests and green spaces. It receives support from partners such as the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Service and Penn State University.

10/27/2006