March 16, 2007

FKEC CANCELS TREE GROWTH REGULATION (TGR) PROGRAM

Florida Keys Electric Cooperative has officially cancelled its proposed Tree Growth Regulation (TGR) program in light of member concerns. The program was intended to help FKEC's members by spot treating certain trees growing under power lines to encourage the trees to grow fuller instead of taller.

Some of the consumers in the first area proposed for treatment in Key Largo expressed concern about the TGR product, Cambistat. The product is in widespread use throughout the country and is approved by the EPA and Florida Department of Agriculture, but FKEC has now decided not to offer the treatment program.

"The idea was to offer our members a new alternative for trees that are always being pruned and to possibly save trees that will need to be removed," said CEO Scott Newberry. "TGR's were never intended to completely replace tree trimming and we did not intend to employ wide-spread application of the product. But some members expressed concern about its use and FKEC is responsive to those concerns."

FKEC is a not-for-profit electric cooperative serving the Upper and Middle Florida Keys.

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BACKGROUND:

FKEC recently distributed door hangers in Key Largo to inform property owners of a new tree growth regulation option and to give them the opportunity to learn about the program.

FKEC was working with experienced application professionals who inject a tree growth regulator around the roots of select trees only. It is not sprayed or poured.

FKEC's intentions in proposing tree growth regulation included:
1) answering the concerns of many of our consumers who complain about tree pruning and trimming because they do not like how the cutting makes their trees look and grow back;
2) keeping FKEC's lines clear from the limbs of specific "problem" trees without having to remove the trees; and
3) helping the trees grow fuller instead of taller which also improves the appearance and health of the trees.

FKEC's goal was to help consumers by avoiding tree removal and by promoting healthier, slower growing trees.

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Contact:
Rebecca Callahan
Callahan Communications, Inc.
305-393-1892