Citywide Tree Project: Time to comment is now

The Citywide Tree Project (CTP) continues its public vetting process, with two open-houses and one hearing scheduled for next month.

Last week, the urban forestry commission received individual copies of the 755-page document that is described as a “regulatory improvement project” by Project Manager Roberta Jortner of the Bureau of Planning & Sustainability (BPS).

Last night, Jortner and other BPS project managers presented to Portland’s planning commission—another outreach effort to an advisory body, she said.

The first two events in March are open-houses—opportunities for the public to learn about the project—the hearing on March 23 is the deadline to submit testimony in person or in writing.

“What we want is people who are interested in trees to come and learn about the project,” said Jortner in an interview with Growth Rings. “This is a once in a two or three decade opportunity to help shape how this part of the city manages trees.”

“As the Portland Plan continues to develop, we want to make sure trees are a part of it,” said Morgan Tracy of the BPS last Thursday at the urban forestry commission meeting.

Calling the current system of urban forestry regulation inconsistent and inequitable, Jortner said the multi-bureau CTP is working with various community stakeholders to fix the problems.

“The Citywide Tree Project will bring the current regulatory system into better alignment with the goals of the urban forestry plan,” she said.

With that, Jortner also said new regulations must work together with planting, education, stewardship, maintenance and outreach for a comprehensive plan.

“Regulations are only one tool in the toolbox for managing the urban forest,” said Jortner “It’s a citywide effort because trees touch so many parts of our city.”

The schedule for next month:

March 9, 2010, Open House
7-9 p.m.
Multnomah County Arts Center Auditorium
7688 SW Capitol Hwy.
Portland, Ore. 97219

March 16, 2010, Open House
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Floyd Light Middle School Cafeteria
10800 SE Washington St.
Portland, Ore. 97216

March 23, 2010, Hearing
6 p.m.
Planning Commission & Urban Forestry Commission
1900 SW 4th Ave., Ste. 2500A
Portland, Ore. 97201

Email, fax and regular mail comments will also be entered into the record. Written testimony must be received by the time of the hearings and must include name and address to be included. The email address: [email protected] The mail address: 1900 SW 4th Ave., Suite 7100, Portland, OR 97201 The fax number: 503-823-7855

The entire document can be read here.

–Toshio Suzuki