La Grande’s Community Forest Program Keeps the City Green
By Garrett Christensen on Thursday, February 16th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – (Information from La Grande Parks and Recreation) La Grande has maintained its status as a Tree City USA since the 1990s for a good reason. A dedication to Urban Forestry and community involvement in the local environment have has kept La Grande green for several decades. With spring just over a month away, according to the calendar at least, La Grande residents can look forward to an uptick in Urban forestry related plans and projects. The following is a list of Community Forest activities conducted by the La Grande Community Forest Program and as listed in the official program guide.
“Public Tree Inventory
The City maintains a GIS inventory of over 5500 public trees. The tree inventory is a management tool for the community forest and serves as the information base to evaluate and monitor the status of the urban forest canopy. The inventory guides potential tree planting, maintenance, and tree removals.
Tree Planning, Maintenance and Replacement
The keys to maintaining a healthy, sustainable urban forest are regular tree plantings and regular maintenance and replacement. Annual tree plantings ensure a perpetual canopy and a diverse, multiple age forest. Targeting areas of the City that have fewer trees and less canopy cover will increase the benefits that trees provide to our citizens. The City’s goal is to plant 100 trees annually in the parks, green spaces, and parkways.
Proper pruning and maintenance enhances a tree’s structure and form, improves health and longevity and reduces risk. Public trees are monitored to meet clearance requirements, assess for risk, and conduct appropriate mitigation. Replacing dead trees and trees in poor condition is essential to maintain public safety and provides room for new, diverse plantings.
Community Forestry Ordinance and Development Code
The Urban Forestry Division administers permits for the protection, planting, maintenance and removal of trees in public places and works with the Community Development Department to review development plans, advocate for the protection of trees during construction, and mitigate risk associated with trees on private property. The Urban Forestry Division and Public Works Department manage clearance pruning of both public and private trees, and the preservation of space for public trees.
Public Education and Outreach
The community forestry program strives to raise awareness and appreciation of the benefits of a healthy and diverse urban forest by providing educational opportunities for homeowners, businesses, schools, civic organizations and landscape professionals. The urban forestry division also provides education for the commission, parks staff, public works and other departmental agencies.
Community Achievement
La Grande is proud to be a Tree City USA since 1990, with more Tree City USA Growth Awards than any other Oregon city. The City celebrates National Arbor Day and Oregon Arbor Month every year and recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the spirit of the community forest.
Beautification Awards Program
The Landscape and Community Forest Beautification Awards Program, established by the City Council, honor individuals and businesses that create or maintain landscapes that enhance the diversity and livability of our city.
Memorial Tree & Sponsor a Tree Programs
Planting a memorial tree in a City park or other City-owned land honors a loved one and also provides a gift to the whole community. A donation to sponsor a tree will fund the planting of a street tree for a family or individual who otherwise would be unable to afford a tree.
Utility Line Clearance
Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative and City partner to improve utility pruning practices and ensure safe electrical service. Through the removal and replacement program trees in poor condition are removed and replaced with powerline friendly trees
Commercial Tree Services
The Urban Forestry Division administers the annual Commercial Tree Service Permit. Tree services working in the City of La Grande are required to hold an Oregon Contractors License and have the required liability insurance.
Oregon Heritage Trees
La Grande has two Oregon Heritage Tree designations; the Baker Black Locust Tree on the Eastern Oregon University campus and the Victory Way Norway Maple Trees on Spruce Street. Oregon Heritage Trees are “trees that tell a story; trees that confound and astound; trees that educate both Oregonians and visitors about significant people or events from the past.” oregontic.com/oregon-heritage-trees
Landscaping on Private Property
Most of the trees in La Grande’s community forest are on private property. Landscaping on private property enhances the living experience in La Grande and benefits the property owner by increasing property values and providing an esthetic environment. Support, information, and encouragement is provided by the City and the Community Landscape and Forestry Commission to facilitate the planting and maintenance of trees, and diverse landscape plants and materials.”
For more information on the Urban Forestry and Community Forest Programs, visit Urban Forestry | La Grande, OR (cityoflagrande.org)
