Portland lost tree cover equal to the size of Mt. Tabor Park every year from 2015 to 2020, according to data from Portland Parks & Recreation. Since trees provide a host of benefits from wildlife habitat and cleaner air to climate change mitigation and urban heat reduction, seeing their numbers dwindle presents concerning problems — and the city wants your help to brainstorm solutions.
Portland Parks & Recreation is updating the Portland Urban Forest Plan, a framework guiding the city’s management of trees. The document was last updated in 2004. Officials say it needs revisions that align with current community priorities and to help the city adapt to our changing climate.
The city is seeking input from local leaders, advisory committees, and members of the public, specifically those who have experience in urban forest or environmental advocacy, or people who live in underserved communities.
You can share your thoughts in an online survey open March 25-May 2, or by attending an open house on April 24 at Leodis V. McDaniel High School.
