Climate plan targets 33 percent tree canopy

In an email to citizens today, Mayor Sam Adams unveiled Portland’s pending Climate Action Plan, which intends to increase urban forest canopy from 26 percent to 33 percent by 2030.

Other urban forestry goals outlined in the 70-page document include: protection against tree loss; tree canopy retention efforts; and the planting of large-species trees.

Also outlined is the importance of a governmental shift in thought and terminology that would allow for trees and shrubs to be viewed as ‘capital assets,’ something Friends of Trees achieved with its landmark grant application that is bringing together Metro and ODOT for tree plantings along I-205.

As the document encompasses comprehensive timeline goals for Portland and Multnomah County, final votes for both will be cast this week, Wednesday at 2 p.m. for the Portland City Council, and Thursday at 9:30 a.m. for the Multnomah County Board.

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–Toshio Suzuki