Trees are an important part of Portland's urban landscape. But who will speak for the trees? Make your voice heard during PBOT's PedPDX public comment period, or at one of many View & Review Parties.

If you walk anywhere around Portland, then this article is for you! The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has created a draft plan to make walking in Portland safer and more comfortable. Thank you, PBOT!

The plan is called PedPDX, and trees are referenced throughout. Be sure to read the sections below and let PBOT know your thoughts and ideas.

Action 2.5, page 153
Update design guidance to prevent trees and vegetation within 25 feet of marked mid-block crosswalks and evaluate the need for vegetation removal at existing marked mid-block crosswalks.

Action 6.3, page 191
Address tree-trimming and removal needs where street lighting is blocked by tree canopy.

Action 8.4, page 214
Update coordination practices with Urban Forestry when trees are uplifting sidewalks and develop joint practices for addressing tree/sidewalk conflicts.

Action 8.6, page 216
Update right-of-way design standards to provide sufficient room for trees.

5/1/19: Heritage Tree Nominations are due by May 1, 2019! Do you have a tree or trees that you have been admiring? Anyone can nominate a Heritage Tree, learn how here. Then download a Heritage Tree Nomination form here.

Seeking Community Advisors for South Park Blocks Master Plan, Apply by March 18, 2019: Planning has begun to shape the future of the South Park Blocks; one of Portland’s oldest and most popular parks. This 12-block greenspace stretches north from the campus of Portland State University, to SW Salmon St. Do you have ideas to improve the South Park Blocks? Apply to join the Community Advisory Committee! The committee will help engage the public and guide the design process during the yearlong project. Please submit your application by March 18, 2019. Find the application and more details here.

Last Chance to Apply for Summer Positions at Urban Forestry: We are hiring multiple positions for Park Tree Inventory Coordinators, a Seasonal Elm Monitor, and Tree Establishers. We are accepting applications through March 18, 2019. Find more information here.

TreeSnap, a Free App that Lets You Tag Trees for Science: TreeSnap is available for iOS and Android smart phones. The app allows you to tag trees in your community so that scientists can use the data to locate trees for research projects. Scientific partners include the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station, Oregon State University, and the Oregon Department of Forestry, among others. To learn more or download the app, click here.

Construction Begins in Late March on the Barbara Walker Crossing Over Burnside Road:
When complete, the Barbara Walker Crossing will carry 80,000 hikers and runners who use the Wildwood Trail each year over a curve in the road used by 20,000 drivers every day. The bridge will also create a direct connection between two of the Wildwood Trail's most popular destinations: Hoyt Arboretum and Pittock Mansion, located on opposite sides of Burnside. For more information, visit the project page here.