The city of Portland is launching an initiative to increase and better manage its trees, which help to cool the urban landscape and fight pollution.
The Portland Parks Conservancy, in partnership with the city, is developing an Urban Forest Master Plan to preserve, grow and care for the urban forest.
This long-term strategic plan will examine Portland’s tree canopy, its accessibility to all residents and where changes are occurring, review how the city manages trees, and create a roadmap for work over the next decade.
The project will combine research, community engagement, technical analysis and actionable steps to advance urban forest management goals.
Urban Canopy Works LLC, a woman-owned urban forest planning firm based in Cincinnati, has been hired to lead the process. The company has done similar work with communities in Boston; New York City; Knoxville, Tenn.; Asheville, N.C.; and Louisville, Ky.
“This effort comes in the face of ongoing tree loss from storms, drought, higher heat levels, pests and population growth and related construction,” said Jack Phillips, executive director of the Portland Parks Conservancy. “Without a shift in strategy and investment, Portland is likely to face a continued and growing deficit in its tree canopy — one that will affect environmental quality, climate resilience and overall livability.”
“It is also important to ensure all in Portland have access to the benefits that trees provide,“ Phillips added. “Nationally, low-income areas that have smaller tree canopy disproportionately miss out on these benefits.”
More information
An initial public workshop is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 17, from 5-7 p.m., at Portland’s Merrill Auditorium.
Community input is encouraged through an online survey, available now through September, upcoming information sessions and advisory group participation. The project website, portlandmaine.gov/UFMP, has details.
