Troutdale Receives Grant for Urban Forestry Master Plan and Street Tree Manual

Troutdale is set to revitalize its urban landscape with a new grant aimed at enhancing the city’s street tree program. During the recent Troutdale Parks Advisory Committee meeting, officials announced that the city has received a grant from the Oregon Department of Land Conservation to develop an Urban Forestry Master Plan and a Street Tree Manual. This initiative, long awaited by city planners, aims to address the declining street tree inventory and promote sustainable urban forestry.

The city has partnered with Dudek Consulting, a Portland-based firm, to lead the project. Over the next year, Dudek will conduct public outreach and review current practices related to urban forestry and street trees. The goal is to streamline the existing street tree code, making it easier for homeowners to plant and maintain trees in their planting strips.

City officials highlighted the numerous benefits of street trees, including increased property values, reduced stormwater runoff, and improved summer shade. Additionally, they noted that a well-maintained urban forest can help lower traffic speeds, enhancing safety for residents.

As part of the initiative, Dudek consultants will be invited to future advisory committee meetings to gather community input and discuss potential changes to the street tree code. This collaborative effort aims to remove barriers to tree planting and foster a sustainable urban forest canopy in Troutdale for years to come. More updates on this project are expected in the coming months.