Better Protection for Trees in Bend

As Bend once was ‘Tree City, USA’ and several signs have never been taken down, many people believe that we still hold the recognition, but the paperwork was never refiled by the city in 2007. There is also confusion as to whether Bend has a Tree Ordinance. In the city code, protection for trees appears in several places written in the code which are ‘tree ordinances’, but the city does not have a stand alone, ‘Tree Ordinance’ or any protection for Heritage Trees. Also, as Bend is rapidly growing, stronger tree protection and management of our urban forest is imperative for our future as a sustainable future for generations to come. As City Council goes into goal setting, it is imperative that we speak out especially to the new Mayor Roats and the new members of Council. Councilors cannot change policy alone. They need to hear from all of us! When we make our voices heard, it is easy for them to react. We all need to speak out, especially children and young adults.

Everyone is welcome!

Notes from 3.8.17 Tree Meeting

Another successful meeting as a Tree Coalition is taking on strong roots! Louise Palmer gave an update from City Council and David Morman introduced the Arbor Day Proclamation draft for the group to review. Wendy Robinson from City Planning Department was  instrumental with her experience with the city. Emily Roynestad discuss our strategic planning, vision, and our name. We set 60 day realistic goals Urban Forestry Advisory Team. Community Outreach and the Arbor Day Celebration.

Plans are to hopefully have City Council sign the Arbor Day Proclamation the City Council Meeting on Wednesday, April 5th. The paperwork has been sent to Nathan Boddie to review. With Oregon Arbor Week April 2-7 this year, having a large crowd at City Council Meeting as they sign the proclamation would encourage council to move forward in making Bend ‘Tree City, USA’, again.

Please send over your ideas for a name for our group as well as our vision statement. We will be voting at the next meeting. Please invite anyone that you think may be interested. Everyone is welcome!  For questions, ideas, or suggestions, please call Louise Palmer – 541.788.1786.