Together, we’re keeping Buena Vista safe.

SDCEA is working with the Town of Buena Vista, professional arborists, avian experts and its vegetation management partner on a phased project designed to reduce wildfire risk while preserving the town’s natural landscape.

Read SDCEA CEO Jon Beyer’s address to the Buena Vista town council on how we’re approaching vegetation management with care.

Project Details

Start date: November 1, south Pleasant Avenue

Seasonal timing: Winter work helps avoid peak tourist traffic and gardening activity. On the recommendation of an avian consultant, it also accommodates the spring nesting cycle of a local woodpecker that nests in cottonwoods.

Tree assessment: SDCEA contracted a professional arborist to inventory trees near primary, higher-voltage lines.

Targeted scope: Work is limited to trees near primary lines and in the public right-of-way, plus select high-risk trees on private property. Danger trees—trees that are dead, diseased or leaning toward power lines—outside the right-of-way may also be removed. The goal is not to remove every tree.

By addressing a limited number of high-risk trees now, SDCEA can help protect the broader tree canopy, improve reliability and reduce future wildfire risk.

Treatment area: Within town limits, trimming and removal will generally be limited to an 8-foot area on either side of the center line due to proximity to firefighting infrastructure. Rural areas generally require a wider 15- to 20-foot clearance.

Traffic impacts: Temporary road closures may be necessary. Advance notice will be provided 
whenever possible.

Neighborhood updates: Zone-by-zone communications will explain when work is scheduled and what residents can expect.

Working with nature 
in mind

SDCEA values Buena Vista’s trees, wildlife and natural beauty. That is why the cooperative is coordinating with arborists and avian experts to schedule work responsibly and make informed decisions about trimming and removal.

Wildfire threatens the homes, businesses, trails and wilderness areas that make Buena Vista special. Thoughtful vegetation management helps protect those community assets while supporting safe, reliable electric service.

Learn more about SDCEA’s vegetation management efforts



What to Expect

  • You may see crews, bucket trucks, and equipment working in your quadrant during the scheduled winter window
  • Remember: work is targeted to high-risk trees near primary lines.
  • Zone-by-zone communications will explain what’s happening in your neighborhood, when and why.

Vegetation Management Resources

Questions?

Email info@myelectric.coop or call 844-395-2412 toll-free.

Vegetation Management FAQs

Why is SDCEA doing vegetation management now?

SDCEA is conducting vegetation management to reduce the risk of power outages and prevent wildfires. Proactive trimming and removal along rights-of-way help maintain system reliability and protect the community.

Who is performing the work?

SDCEA has contracted with Noble Tree Service (formerly Integrity Tree Service) for this work.

Noble contractors will be using bucket trucks, climbing crews, mowing crews, and walk-in crews to accomplish the mitigation work plan. The company’s trucks will be clearly marked with Noble logos, but if you are uncertain, please contact our office toll-free, 844-395-2412.

How much clearance is required for vegetation management?

In general, SDCEA maintains a minimum clearance of 
15-20 feet on either side of its poles in rural areas. Within the Town of Buena Vista, the project will use a more targeted 8-foot radius.

What is the Wildfire Mitigation Rate Rider?

SDCEA charges a monthly Wildfire Mitigation Rate Rider to each service account (security lighting and line retention excluded) on our system.

The rate rider is used for the specific and necessary purpose of accelerating funding of vegetation removal to mitigate the threat of wildfires on our system. Funding raised through this rider is used only for wildfire mitigation and is not absorbed in SDCEA’s general operating budget.

The wildfire mitigation rider is reviewed annually for effectiveness by the board. The monthly charge will sunset when wildfire mitigation work is complete.

What if my homeowner’s insurance asked me to remove vegetation?

Some homeowners’ insurance providers may also ask property owners to remove vegetation from private property. Those efforts complement SDCEA’s work near power lines and within utility rights-of-way.

How can I report a tree or vegetation issue?

Please click here to submit information about a tree or vegetation issue.