Oregon City Natural Resources Committee reviews 2024 work, presses for tree inventory and Bee City participation

The Natural Resources Committee (NRC) delivered its 2024 annual report to the Oregon City Commission, summarizing meetings, priorities and recommendations. Chair Samantha Wolf and vice chair Brian Fissler told commissioners the committee met nine times in 2024, shifted to hybrid meetings and held a joint session with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC).

Committee members said their primary work last year centered on tree preservation, including crafting a tree canopy and tree-code recommendation that went through multiple revisions with input from public works, parks and planning staff. The NRC presented that recommendation to the commission in February 2025 and advocated for a public tree inventory; members said they had identified grant and technical funding sources to support that effort if the commission directs staff to proceed.

The NRC also discussed proposed street-trimming and tree-clearance code amendments from Public Works and recommended approval of those adjustments at a February meeting. The committee said it continues to evaluate participation in the Xerces Society’s Bee City USA program and recommends voluntary integrated pest management practices.

Why it matters: the NRC’s work feeds into the city’s long-term canopy and urban forestry policy and can shape code, maintenance and mitigation decisions tied to sidewalks, public works projects and private development. Committee members flagged tree preservation, planting projects in parks, and better coordination between departments and advisory groups as priorities for 2025.

Members reported ongoing collaboration with parks staff on tree-planting and pollinator projects and asked the commission to consider formal direction for a public tree inventory to clarify canopy condition and future planting targets.