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Varney urges enforcement of tree codes and highlights city’s tree inventory amid emerald ash borer concerns

Your Vote Counts (program) / League of Women Voters of Marion and Polk Counties · April 20, 2026

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Summary

Councilor Mickey Varney said Salem’s tree code protects heritage and significant trees, noted storm and pest losses since 2021, and reported the city has inventoried nearly 50,000 trees as part of a natural resources inventory of streams and riparian areas.

Councilor Mickey Varney described Salem’s tree code work and natural resources inventory, saying the code is intended to protect heritage and significant trees and help balance development with conservation.

Varney noted the city’s canopy goals were hampered by an ice storm in 2021 and that emerald ash borer is damaging ash trees. He said the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board has a tree subcommittee that reviewed the code and reported that the city has inventoried nearly 50,000 city trees, with each tree identified on an accessible map.

Varney said retaining the largest trees yields the greatest carbon benefits and emphasized ongoing inventory and riparian-area reviews as part of broader efforts to maintain urban forest and climate resilience.