News Release

March 14, 2003

PNM Recognized by National Arbor Day Foundation

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Albuquerque: For the fourth year in a row, PNM’s vegetation management department earned the utility a Tree Line USA award for tree care excellence from the National Arbor Day Foundation. PNM is one of only 97 utilities across the country to be recognized. New Mexico Arbor Day is today.

"PNM has made a strong commitment to protecting trees and promoting healthy growth of trees," said John Myers, PNM vice president of construction and reliability. "Proper tree trimming is critical to providing reliable electric service to our customers."

Tree Line USA is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters. To qualify, utilities must meet three requirements: have a program of quality tree care, provide annual employee training in quality tree care practices and pursue a tree planting and public education program.

PNM's vegetation management department employs three full-time, trained foresters. The company contracts with local tree professionals as needed, but PNM staff always oversee the tree projects.

"We are out trimming trees almost every day of the year," said PNM head forester Bob Bell. "Our goal is to trim trees to promote their long-term health and to follow requirements that keep trees specified distances from power lines."

Bell said trees growing into power lines can cause real dangers to customers, as well as threats to the reliability of the electric system. Bell and his staff also provide information to landscapers and developers about which trees to safety plant near power lines. They are active members of Think Trees New Mexico, the Utility Arborists Association and the International Society of Arboriculture.

"The commitment of the Tree Line USA utilities to protect community trees while providing reliable service not only helps provide beautiful trees for the future, but also results in long-term operational savings for the utility," said John Rosenow, president of the National Arbor Day Foundation.