Butte - NorthWestern Energy is now partnering with the city of Red Lodge Parks, Trees and Recreation Board to fund 75% of the cost of planting new trees in residential areas in the public right-of-ways.

Since the program launched in 2013, more than 100 trees have been planted.

'We've secured grants in the past to pay for about half of the $200 cost of purchasing each tree and the property owner pays the other half,' said City of Red Lodge Planning Assistant Courtney Long. 'In the past, the City has relied on Resort Tax and Montana Department of Natural Resources funding. This year NorthWestern Energy stepped up to offer funds to pay for 75% of the cost of each tree, which reduces the cost the property owner pays to $50.'

NorthWestern Energy's funding includes the company's Employee Volunteer Program, which offers grant money for the organizations our employees serve.

'We are honored to be part of this program to add trees along the streets of Red Lodge,' said NorthWestern Energy Community Relations Manager Lisa Perry. 'These trees provide shade, provide a wind break and absorb storm water. This is a great partnership to announce for Arbor Day.'

Long hopes to add 25 trees this year along Red Lodge residential streets through the program.

Contact:

Courtney Long

Tel: 406-446-1606

Email: clong@cityofredlodge.com

About NorthWestern Energy (Nasdaq: NWE)

NorthWestern provides electricity and / or natural gas to approximately 743,000 customers in Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska. We have generated and distributed electricity in South Dakota and distributed natural gas in South Dakota and Nebraska since 1923 and have generated and distributed electricity and distributed natural gas in Montana since 2002.

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