@ PRESS RELEASE

Manitowoc Public Utilities ! 1303 S. 8th Street, P.O. Box 1090 ! Manitowoc, WI 54221‑1090 ! 920‑686‑4304 ! fax: 920‑686‑4348

For Immediate Release Fax to:

Date: November 17, 2003 WOMT Radio - 682-1008

Contact: Daniel W. Salm WCUB Radio - 683-6807

Phone: 920‑686‑4304 HTR Newspaper - 686-2103

Fax: 920‑686‑4348

Annual Tree Trimming Begins in Manitowoc

The Manitowoc Public Utilities has hired Dave’s Tree Service to perform utility line clearance services for 2004. The Sturgeon Bay contractor will be trimming trees on Manitowoc’s northeast side starting December 2.

Manitowoc Public Utilities has a four-year cycle in which electric lines in the city are checked for adequate line clearance, according to Dick Blashka, Line Superintendent at MPU. "The four-year trimming cycle, combined with citizen-reported clearance concerns has greatly reduced the number of service interruptions due to trees."

MPU budgets approximately $50,000 each year to trim trees near power lines. “This is the seventh year Dave’s Tree Service has performed trimming services for the Utility. They were asked back because of the excellent job they did in previous years, in terms of quality trimming and in customer relations”, Blashka said. “Their crews are meticulously trained in appropriate pruning techniques for various species of trees in and around dangerous high-voltage electrical lines.”

Blashka noted that Dave’s Tree Service began visiting customers in early November to identify trees in need of trimming. Their crews will be in constant contact with property owners and MPU staff. "It's often difficult to get permission from property owners to trim or remove trees for utility line clearance, since we all value the beauty trees bring to the city," says Blashka. "But when we explain the dangers and potential for power outages, people realize that it’s for the good of the community.”

This year MPU will target tree-trimming efforts in the area east of North 18th Street, north of the Manitowoc River. Residents in other areas of the City who notice potential tree clearance problems are asked to call the Manitowoc Public Utilities at 683-4600. The Utility warns homeowners to never attempt trimming trees near electrical lines, but to always call the utility for assistance.

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