Tree Canada, BC Transmission Corporation Provide "ReLeaf" from Pine Beetle Epidemic

    FORT ST. JOHN, BC, Oct. 6 /CNW/ - Tree Canada, the country's leading tree
planting organization, launched its new Mountain Pine Beetle ReLeaf program
today, announced Michael Rosen, President of Tree Canada.
    "This program will help residents across BC replace trees damaged by the
Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic," said Rosen. "Our goal is to help protect and
revitalize the natural areas we all care about so much."
    BC Transmission Corporation is again providing financial support for this
project, building on the successful partnership with Tree Canada for the
Coastal ReLeaf and Community Greening programs in 2007.
    "With people and projects located in all regions of this province, we've
seen first-hand the damage caused by this epidemic. We are proud to support
local efforts to combat the beetle's impact," said Jane Peverett, CEO of BC
Transmission Corporation. "By working together today, we can help ensure that
future generations will be able to enjoy BC's natural beauty."
    Millions of trees across BC have been lost to the destructive and
fast-moving Mountain Pine Beetle. This new program provides coupons to BC
residents who have lost pine trees to the Pine Beetle epidemic. Coupons worth
$80 off a tree priced at $150 or more are available to applicants who apply
and can demonstrate proof of a lost tree in their yard. Individuals may apply
for a coupon Tree Canada's website at: http://www.treecanada.ca/
mountain-pine-beetle/index.htm. Coupons are redeemable at any BC Landscape &
Nursery Association member nursery.
    In addition to the rebate coupons, funding for a community replanting
project was announced this morning in Fort St. John. Richard Neufeld, Minister
of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and Mayor Jim Eglinski were present
at the announcement.
    "BCTC and Tree Canada are to be commended for supporting this
made-in-B.C. solution to help with the pine beetle epidemic," said Minister of
Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Richard Neufeld. "Every community
project, every tree planted in the backyards of individual homeowners,
contribute to the beauty and value of our province."
    Other Canadians interested in supporting Tree Canada's efforts to combat
the Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic can donate and learn more at
www.treecanada.ca or by calling 1-877-866-1444.


    
                     MOUNTAIN PINE BEETLE RELEAF PROGRAM
                                 BACKGROUNDER

    HOW IT WORKS

    -   Tree Canada's Mountain Pine Beetle ReLeaf Program, sponsored by
        BC Transmission Corporation, is helping BC residents replace trees
        lost to Mountain Pine Beetle

    -   If you have had a tree on your property killed by Mountain Pine
        Beetle, you may apply for a coupon worth $80 off a replacement tree
        priced at $150 or more

    -   To apply, visit Tree Canada's website at
        http://www.treecanada.ca/mountain-pine-beetle/index.htm

    -   Once approved, you will receive an email confirmation and a coupon
        will follow in the mail

    -   Coupons may be redeemed at any member nursery of the BC Landscape and
        Nursery Association http://www.bclna.com/ (coupon expires March 31,
        2009)

    -   Plant your tree and enjoy!
    

    BC TRANSMISSION CORPORATION

    BC Transmission Corporation (BCTC) is the Crown corporation that
operates, plans and maintains the transmission system to provide safe,
reliable and increasingly green power for British Columbians, today and
tomorrow.
    BCTC was created as a Crown corporation in May 2003 and is 100 percent
owned by the people of British Columbia. Prior to 2003, BCTC was a part of BC
Hydro and this history brings a strong legacy of knowledge and experience in
electricity transmission.
    Through its Community Investment Program, BCTC has the unique opportunity
to invest in and to help enhance the quality of life in communities throughout
the province. Each year, BCTC works in partnership with non-profit and
charitable organizations such as Tree Canada to make a positive difference to
the people and organizations that make British Columbia a great place to live
and work.

    TREE CANADA

    Tree Canada is a non-profit charitable organization established to
encourage Canadians to plant and care for trees in urban and rural
environments. A winner of the Canadian Environmental Award (2007), Tree Canada
engages Canadian companies, government agencies and individuals to support the
planting of trees, the greening of schoolyards, and other efforts to sensitize
Canadians to the benefits of planting and maintaining trees. To date, more
than 75 million trees have been planted, more than 450 schoolyards have been
greened, and Tree Canada has organized eight national urban forestry
conferences. www.treecanada.ca.

For further information:

For further information: Mike Witherly, BC Transmission Corporation,
michael.witherly@bctc.com, (604) 374-8362; Melissa Nisbett, Tree Canada,
mnisbett@treecanada.ca, (613) 567-5545, ext. 224