Stormwater
management a major
concern on Capitol
Highway project
– Page 5
Packy the elephant
remembered
– Page 2
Old
Multnomah:
Remember when
Copeland Lumber
had a store on
31st? –Page 7
The Southwest Portland Post
Volume No. 25 Issue No. 5
www.swportlandpost.com
Portland, Oregon
Complimentary
March 2017
Increased development means heritage trees are at risk of being cut down
By Erik Vidstrand
The Southwest Portland Post
The Feb. 7 meeting of the
Multnomah Neighborhood
Association featured a discussion
on heritage trees and how to become
a tree steward.
Heritage trees are trees that have
been formally recognized by the
Portland City Council for their
unique size, age, historical, or
horticultural significance.
According to local tree steward
Emma Dugan, currently Multnomah
Village only has two heritage trees.
One of them, a cryptomeria japonica,
is outside the Multnomah Arts
Center with a plaque attached to it.
Hillsdale has 12; seven of them are
on one lot.
Portland is lucky to have a tree
canopy that covers more than 30
percent of neighborhoods, according
to the city’s website. With more than
a quarter million trees lining the
streets and countless more in parks
and on private property, Portland
literally is a green city.
H o w e v e r, w i t h i n c r e a s e d
developments, demolitions, and
residential infill, trees are at risk of
being taken down more frequently.
Dugan facilitated the group
through a presentation about trees.
She said she took a seven-week
course to become a Portland tree
steward costing only $25 and said
scholarships are available.
“The training provides an overview
of tree biology, identification,
pruning and maintenance, proper
planting techniques, and ecosystem
services,” she explained.
“We also learn about pests and
pathogens of the urban forest,
and urban forest management and
policy.”
“I have always been a tree lover,”
Dugan said. She graduated from
Oregon State University in the
forestry program.
“No previous experience is needed
to become a neighborhood tree
steward,” she said, “but you do need
a passion for trees, a desire to learn,
and the commitment to help.”
Her presentation explained that
trees benefit the air, improves water
quality, provide wind breaks, and
reduce cooling costs in the summer.
“Businesses make higher profits
w h e n t re e s a re p re s e n t , ” s h e
continued. “It also reduces flooding,
especially needle and broadleaf
evergreens.
“They also provide wildlife
habitat, reduce erosion and carbon
dioxide, and offer visual and sound
buffers.”
Dugan then explained certain trees
can be designated as a heritage tree.
For private properties, consent of
the owner is required. Anyone can
nominate a tree in the right-of-way.
Nominations are due by May
1 each year. In June, the tree is
reviewed by a city arborist. In
(Continued on Page 6)
One of Multnomah Village's heritage trees, a cryptomeria japonica, is located outside
of the Multnomah Arts Center. It was designated a heritage tree by the Portland City
Council in 1995. (Post photo by Erik Vidstrand)
Light rail advisory committee meets, environmental review phase begins
A new Southwest Corridor Light Rail Community Advisory Committee has begun
monthly meetings. (Photo courtesy of Metro)
By Erik Vidstrand
The Southwest Portland Post
The new Metro Light Rail
Community Advisory Committee
held its first meeting on Feb. 6 at the
Multnomah Arts Center. The meeting
was open to the public and public
comment was provided.
While not available at press time,
the committee’s monthly meeting
dates and materials will be posted
on the project website: www.
swcorridorplan.org.
Staffs from local jurisdictions and
agencies continue working together
as the Southwest Corridor light rail
project begins the environmental
review phase. During this period,
Metro and TriMet will work closely
with the Federal Transit Administration
to identify significant impacts of the
remaining routes under consideration.
“There is a lot of new information
to collect and understand so our staff
will be busy for several months,”
said Eryn Kehe, the project senior
communications specialist.
The steering committee, consisting
of project partners, elected and
appointed officials, will take a few
months off before reconvening later
in 2017. The steering committee makes
final recommendations to the Metro
Council and other jurisdictions for the
Southwest Corridor Plan.
“The city of Portland has appointed
Commissioner Dan Saltzman,” said
Dylan Rivera of the Portland Bureau
of Transportation.
“A 45-day comment period is
planned in early 2018,” Kehe said.
“The public and other agencies can
then review the draft environmental
impact statement.”
In the meantime, citizens can hear
what other people in the community
have said about transit in a set of
videos featured on the project website.
“Consider sharing information with
your friends and neighbors,” Kehe
suggested. “Ask a friend today, ‘Have
you heard of the Southwest Corridor
light rail?’
“Let them know why you are
interested in the project, and encourage
them to visit the website to learn
more.”
T h e n e x t M e t ro L i g h t R a i l
Community Advisory Committee
meeting will be Monday, March 6, at
6:30 p.m. in room 30 at the Multnomah
Arts Center.
Don’t forget to renew your subscription. Form on Page 2.
The Southwest Portland Post
4207 SE Woodstock Blvd #509
Portland, OR 97206