Congratulations, David Odom, new Vice Chair of Portland’s UFC!
By Chelsea Schuyler
Friends of Trees’ own Neighborhood Trees Specialist David Odom began his new elected position as vice chair of the Urban Forestry Commission (UFC) last month.
The UFC is a mayor-appointed group of volunteers who have relevant experience and dedication to the future of Portland’s urban forest. Their job is to assess and update tree policies, weigh the impacts of city development plans on the urban forest, and educate Portland residents about the issues at hand. They also sponsor the Heritage Tree Program, organize Arbor Week events, and function as advisers to the Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) director and the city forester. This is a step up for David, who had been serving as secretary for the UFC and has a long history working in the field.
David graduated with a degree in Resource Conservation from the School of Forestry (now the School of Environment and Conservation) at the University of Montana, which propelled him into land-use planning in Montana, Idaho, and Lake Oswego, Oregon. Here in Oregon he became a certified arborist/municipal specialist, and a certified tree risk assessor with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
David is also active at the state level with Oregon Community Trees, a group that advises the state forester on urban forestry issues and recognizes those who advance the field during an annual award ceremony and two-day conference.
As vice chair, David will stand in for the current chair, Joe Poracsky, when necessary, and will put together the annual report and attend PP&R Budget Advisory Committee meetings advocating for Portland’s tree canopy.
When asked about his goals as vice chair and his hopes for the future of the UFC, David responded, “My hope is for increased funding for trees and for the public’s increased awareness and involvement in tree-related matters in their neighborhoods and community.”
David says he can’t visit any place, especially cities, without noticing the trees, though you won’t be seeing a “staff pick” favorite from him anytime soon. He says, “That’s impossible, there can’t be one favorite in my mind.”
Fair enough, vice chair, fair enough.
David’s goal with Friends of Trees? “Plant a bunch of trees,” he jokes.
Amen. Portland is lucky to have him. Congratulations, David!
–Chelsea Schuyler is a contributing blogger for Friends of Trees