Tree Protection and Planting
Removal of native trees, vegetation and soils- often for development- is frequently the way citizens first get involved in efforts to protect and restore natural ecosystems. It is critical to know your local government’s regulations protecting (or not protecting) urban trees and programs promoting tree planting.Most local jurisdictions either have or are currently developing tree preservation ordinances that govern tree cutting and mitigation. Tree planting requirements may also come with landscape standards. In most cases these are the only protections for upland habitat. Unlike streams, rivers and wetlands, there are few if any federal or state mandates to protect upland wildlife habitat and other resource values. So it is worth checking with your planning department to see if they have a tree cutting ordinance. If not, there are model programs that should be presented to them for incorporation into the local planning program. Protection of nesting migratory bird species or species protected under the Endangered Species Act may result in some temporary limits on tree cutting based on federal laws (see Protections for Nesting Birds below).
Most jurisdictions have adopted tree preservation and/or vegetation clearing ordinances however the better programs combine regulatory, incentives, education, and civic initiative to protect and expand the urban forest. One model is the City of Portland that approved its first Urban Forestry Management Plan in 1995 to protect, preserve, and encourage the planting of trees. The City updated the Urban Forestry Management Plan in 2004 expanding upon this charge. The City is also scheduled to adopt an Urban Forestry Action Plan in spring of 2007.
Friends of Trees is the most active regional tree-related organization. Although they are not likely to become involved in a specific tree cutting issue, they are an invaluable resource with respect to proactive tree planting efforts and will provide useful information regarding tree-cutting ordinances.
Oregon Department of Forestry’s Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program is another good source of information and networking regarding urban trees, urban forestry resources, local ordinances and contacts. Their newsletter, Oregon CommuniTree News, is a good source of ongoing information.
Who Ya Gonna Call?
City of Portland Permit Center: 503-823-7300City of Portland Urban Forestry Program: 503-823-4489
Cities other than Portland (see Planning Department listings)
Clackamas County: 503-353-4425
Clark County: 360-397-2375
Friends of Trees: 503-282-8846, fax 503-282-9471
Multnomah County: 503-988-3043, fax 503-988-3389
Oregon Department of Forestry, Urban Community Forestry: 503-945-7200, fax 503-945-7212
Washington County: 503-846-8761, fax 503-846-2908
Other Resources:
Southwest Neighborhood Inc. has a “Tree Protection and Preservation Report” that details the City of Portland’s tree protection regulations and areas of needed reform:International Society of Arboriculture, Tree Ordinance Guidelines:
217-355-9411
Oregon Department of Forestry, Urban Community Forestry:
503-945-7200, fax 503-945-7212
U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife: 503-231-6179
Protections for Nesting Birds