American Transmission Co. recently awarded $60,000 to 39 communities in its service area to plant trees and other vegetation through its Community Planting Program, which is part of ATC’s Grow Smart ® initiative. Trees and other vegetation purchased by communities through the Community Planting Program reinforces this initiative by supporting the planting of tall-growing trees and other vegetation outside of high-voltage transmission line rights-of-way.
“Since this program began in 2013, ATC has awarded nearly $190,000 to more than 130 communities for planting projects,” said Mark Davis, executive vice president and chief operating officer. ”Trees are an important part of our environment. Tall-growing vegetation needs to be kept away from transmission lines to keep the public safe and the system reliable, and this program makes that initiative a win-win for everyone.”
To qualify, community recipients committed to complying with ATC’s maintenance standards for all current and future planting plans and urban forestry activities near high-voltage electric transmission lines. In addition to Norway, Mich., the following Wisconsin communities received amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000 for planting projects on public property where ATC facilities exist:
| Algoma | Conover | Mauston | Spencer |
| Antigo | De Pere | McFarland | Stevens Point |
| Baraboo | Edgar | Muskego | Tomahawk |
| Bayside | Fond du Lac | Oconto | Troy |
| Belgium | Forest County Potawatomi Community | Oregon | Turtle |
| Bellevue | Green Bay | Peshtigo | Whiting |
| Big Bend | Horicon | Pittsville | Wilson |
| Brooklyn | Hortonville | Platteville | Winter |
| Brown Deer | Kronenwetter | Princeton | |
| Cambridge | Marshall | Reedsburg |
