Natural Resources Committee presents 2024 highlights; urges city tree inventory consideration

Samantha Wolf, chair of the Natural Resources Committee, reported the committee’s 2024 activities to the Oregon City Commission on March 5, saying the committee met nine times in 2024, resumed hybrid meetings, and worked closely with parks and planning staff on tree‑canopy recommendations.

Vice chair Brian Fissler outlined specific 2024 topics: tree‑removal mitigation fees, sidewalk‑tree interactions, pollinator garden projects at the Clackamas River Trailhead and pool, and a joint meeting with the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee about McLaughlin Boulevard and tree‑inventory policy. "Our committee spent much of 2024 discussing and crafting a tree canopy and tree code recommendation to the city commission," Fissler said.

Committee priorities and next steps

The committee recommended approval of proposed public‑tree trimming and clearance amendments and said it will continue to advocate for voluntary integrated pest management and participation in Bee City USA through the Xerces Society. The NRC also asked the commission to consider directing staff to pursue a public tree inventory and offered to collaborate on grant funding and technical support should the city request it.

Why it matters

The NRC’s work touches street‑tree policy, park plantings and city code that governs when trees are protected or may be removed for infrastructure projects. Committee members told commissioners that a public tree inventory would improve planning and guide mitigation decisions when capital projects or sidewalk infill implicate mature street trees.

The commission received the written report for the record and thanked NRC members for their service.