Portland celebrates 33 years of Tree City USA
By Jesse Batty
Portland Arbor Week continued in fine style yesterday at Powellhurst School & Park where the city once again accepted its designation as a Tree City USA for the 33rd straight year.
Urban Forestry Commissioner Joe Poracsky joined fellow commissioner and Friends of Trees staffer David Odom, Commissioner Nick Fish, Portland Urban Forester David McAllister, and Portland Parks Director Zari Santner were all present to accept the honor. Presenting this award to them was Kristin Ramstad from the Oregon Department of Forestry.
The Tree City USA distinction requires the completion of four criteria: having a tree ordinance in place; having a tree board or urban forestry commission; holding an official Arbor Day celebration; and spending $2 per capita on trees.
“Everyone here is extremely lucky to live in a city that values its trees so highly,” said Ramstad to the students of Powellhurst.
Commissioner Fish asked the students to do him a favor: “Today, I am appointing you all honorary park rangers.”
He asked that they continue to become stewards of our urban forest and take care of and look after the trees we care about so deeply. The entire school then went outside to plant about 15 trees on the school grounds.
All in all, a great day!
Batty is the Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator for Vancouver: 360-619-1127, [email protected]