GREAT BEND, Kan. – Western Resources was recognized Tuesday, April 24 as a Tree Line USA Utility by the Kansas Forest Service and The National Arbor Day Foundation.

Ray Aslin, state forester for the Kansas Forest Service, made the presentation during Tree City USA ceremonies Tuesday, April 24 in Great Bend. This is the second year that Western Resources received the honor.

To earn Tree Line USA status, utility companies must:

* Follow approved pruning, trenching and tunneling practices;

* Keep copies of reference books on every truck that may work with trees;

* Annually provide education to its employees about proper tree practices;

* Have a trained professional on staff or contract to monitor and ensure quality tree work;

* Provide one or more tree educational mailings to customers;

* On average, spend 10 cents or more per customer on proper tree planting; and

* Hold, sponsor, or participate in an annual Arbor Day celebration.

According to Aslin, utilities making this commitment are considered "the cream of the crop when it comes to trees."

"This award reiterates that Western Resources follows nationally-recognized tree trimming policies and emphasizes our commitment to public education, tree planting and quality tree care in the communities we serve," said Western Resources Chairman David Wittig.