From “tree cheers” to an East Burnside renovation
This blog posed an earlier question, “if a tree is cut down in the City, and nobody asks why, did it really happen?” The answer is an emphatic yes—and that particular tree was debated, considered, and permitted for removal under the watchful eye of Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) Urban Forestry.
The stump featured on East Burnside Street was a permitted removal as part of the Burnside-Couch Couplet project. This $17.8 million project will transform Burnside and Couch—from East 14th Avenue to West 24th Place—into one-ways, adding traffic signals, bike lanes, trees, stormwater treatment swales, curb extensions, and more.
The goal is to make this busy traffic corridor more pleasant and functional for pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers and businesses. This Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) project has been in the works for 10 years, and has been reviewed by City Council, the Urban Forestry Commission, and many other stakeholder groups.
Portland Urban Forestry has a dedicated Tree Inspector who works with PBOT to ensure that trees are considered during all aspects of construction and development, and that proper permits are obtained.
Major streetscape changes inevitably will result in some tree removal: eight trees were removed on East Burnside between Grand and 13th. The majority of existing street trees will be retained and have been worked into construction plans.
Removal of the trees was timed to comply with restrictions in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. When the project is complete, all available spaces for street trees will have been planted.
PP&R Urban Forestry has a long investment along Burnside, which is a busy traffic corridor and a difficult place to establish trees.
Just across the street at NE 8th and Burnside, urban forestry coordinated planting street trees in 1989. With help from a few local politicians (including then Mayor Bud Clark and Sheriff Bob Skipper), “tree cheers” were given for Burnside.
Twenty years later, these street trees stretch above the two story building, providing much needed canopy cover.
More details on the Burnside-Couch Couplet Project can be found at:
DiSalvo is a Botanic Specialist II, Forestry, for the City of Portland’s Urban Forestry Division.