PRK-2.01 - Urban Forestry Management Plan

NCP-PRK-2.01

WHEREAS, Portland’s urban forest is a significant part of the urban environment and contributes to the common good for all residents, providing places for recreation and relaxation, significant direct environmental benefits, and economic benefits that make the city more attractive to business and commercial interests; and

WHEREAS, Portland’s first Urban Forestry Management Plan (UFMP) was adopted in 1995 by Ordinance 168979; and

WHEREAS, new environmental mandates, increased rules and regulations, and more bureaus and agencies involved in resource management necessitate revising the UFMP; and

WHEREAS, this plan is the result of twelve months of planning and discussion by a Technical Advisory Committee made up of representatives of all the bureaus and agencies involved in management of the urban forest; and

WHEREAS, public involvement was received through public notification and the Parks interactive web site; and

WHEREAS, the plan recommends increased cooperation in managing the urban forest along with specific actions and performance measures for the five areas of the urban forest: Residential, Commercial/Industrial/Institutional, Natural Areas and Stream Corridors, Transportation Corridors and Rights-of-Way, and Developed Parks and Open Spaces; and

WHEREAS, the Urban Forestry Commission adopted the Urban Forestry Management Plan on January 16, 2003 and is transmitting it to City Council by letter of transmittal, dated November 20, 2003, attached as Exhibit 1; and

WHEREAS, the Urban Forestry Management Plan complies with Statewide Planning Goals 4, 5, 6, 13, and 15, Portland’s Comprehensive Plan, the Sustainable City Principles, and the Carbon Dioxide Reduction Strategy, as well as supporting several City and Metro plans and guidelines; and

WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to adopt and implement the Urban Forestry Management Plan; and

WHEREAS, the plan is not intended to irrevocably limit the Council’s ultimate discretion;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Portland, a municipal corporation of the State of Oregon, that the Council affirms its acceptance of the Urban Forestry Management Plan as a non-binding Policy Document and the City’s guide to future care and management of Portland’s urban forest.

Resolution No. 36189 adopted by City Council December 10, 2003.