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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 2025 Community Forestry 'bk- ,' // „ ,...i r _ APRLL 2025 Y ` 1`fie &h. f1 4w-�; r "' �,� v Y RBAN 'l .1 3 , .,, r re!' ORESTRY ,... _ „:„. _ , ,, „ APRIL IS ARBOR MONTH TREE CITY USA Arbor Day is America's National Tree Holiday, observed on Celebrating 36 Years the last Friday of April to celebrate the role of trees in our lives and to promote tree planting and care. Here in Lake For 36 years,the City of Lake Oswego has earned Tree City USA(TCUSA) recognition from Oswego, we need more than just a day to celebrate trees. the National Arbor Day Foundation for demonstrating a strong commitment to managing For the fifth consecutive year, Mayor Buck has proclaimed and caring for trees. Cities earn TCUSA status by meeting four standards: maintaining April Lake Oswego Arbor Month. Read the proclamation at a tree board (the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Advisory Board), having a www.lakeoswego.city/trees and check out these fun ways to tree ordinance, spending a minimum $2 per capita on urban forest management, and celebrate trees. proclaiming and celebrating Arbor Day annually. This year, the Arbor Day Foundation also presented Lake Oswego with its eighth TCUSA Oak Woodland Restoration Growth Award, which recognizes innovative projects and higher levels of tree care by Saturday,April 5, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., park at the church at participating Tree City USA communities.The Growth Award was awarded to Lake Oswego 14903 Westlake Drive for: adopting the 2024 Urban and Community Forestry Plan Update; planting more trees Join Oswego Lake Watershed Council for a morning of land than were removed on City owned and managed properties, including 92 trees removed tending and restoration at Westlake HOA Oak Woodland. and 12,154 trees planted; and, by working to implement the City's Natural This beautiful habitat is home to centuries old Oregon white Areas Habitat Management Plan by performing environmental restoration oaks and a diversity of wildlife. Volunteers will learn about in multiple natural areas owned and managed by the City including control Oregon white oak ecology, land tending and preserving oak of noxious weeds, removal of invasive tree species and excess woody Tree City II ecosystems, and help remove invasive species and plant debris along property lines to reduce wildfire hazards, and replanting with fire-resistantplants for a resilient native understory. Foundation natives. For additional information and free registration, visit https://forms.gle/Mfs6bYawuTRJ UCLz9. Tryon Trillium Festival ARBOR MONTH ART CONTEST Saturday,April 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tryon Creek State Natural Trees Are for the Birds! Area, 11321 S. Terwilliger Boulevard In celebration of Lake Oswego Arbor Month and 36 years of Tree City USA recognition, Join Friends of Tryon Creek for the 45th Annual Trillium the City is hosting a Trees Are For the Birds! themed art contest for K-5th students Festival, a festive day in the woods to celebrate the return residing in Lake Oswego. Contestants are asked to find a fun fact about how birds use of the Trillium, an early season perennial native to our local trees and create an original work of art featuring trees and birds. For example, if your forests. In addition to the Native Plant Sale, this family- fun fact is "Bald eagles spend almost 90%of their daylight hours perched in trees", your friendly event includes a Gardening Resources Fair and free art would include a bald eagle perched in a tree.The online contest entry form includes educational stations around the Nature Center offering a space to enter your fun fact. hands-on presentations, crafts and nature activities. More event details are available at www.tryonfriends.org/calendar. Entries will be displayed electronically at City Hall and the Public Library. The contest begins on Tuesday, April 1 and entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30. Winners will be notified on or around Friday, May 9, and prizes will be awarded at the Lake Oswego Farmers' Market on Saturday, May 17. For additional information and complete contest rules, visit www.lakeoswego.city/formslf/ArborMonthArt. ', ',mu 2024 Art Contest winners,left to right:Diana Tuttle,Anna Bi,Addie Andrew,Mayor Joe Buck,Clara Watson, Grace V Edelen, Torben Grosse-Wortmann. Ilk FORESTRY AT THE FARMERS' MARKET Saturday, May 17, 8:30 a.m. to 1 :30 p.m. Join us at Millennium Plaza Park, 200 First Street, to celebrate urban forestry at the Photo by Jeffrey DeWitt 2022 Photo Contest Farmers' Market! Activities include Urban & Community Forestry booths and activities for children and adults. Spin the prize wheel, do a craft, talk to an arborist, receive a free tree seedling, learn about stewardship opportunities in your neighborhood and more. Sustainability Resource Fair Arbor Month Art Contest winners will be announced and prizes will be awarded when Sunday, April 6, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., River Grove Elementary the band takes a break around 11:30 a.m. School, 5850 SW McEwan Road In celebration of Earth Day, the City of Lake Oswego TREE OF THE WEEK Sustainability Advisory Board, Lake Oswego School District, Lake Oswego Sustainability Network, and Oswego Lake Each week during Arbor Month, Parks & Recreation invites you to explore a "Tree Watershed Council are holding the 4th Annual Lake Oswego of the Week" by highlighting remarkable tree species that add beauty, diversity and Sustainability Resource Fair. This year's fair will feature significance to our community. Stay tuned for some snazzy social media reels with our resources on sustainable landscaping and gardening, very own Park Rangers and staff who will take us on a journey of appreciation including information on native plants and pollinators and for the wonders of nature. Then, visit these unique trees in their respective an opportunity to try out electric yard tools. Plus, take a parks to experience them for yourself and learn some interesting facts! The A guided tour of the River Grove Elementary School, learn "Tree of the Week" will be revealed on the City's social media accounts. about sustainability classes and activities for students, take For more information,visit www.lakeoswego.city/parksrec/arbor- LAKE OSWEGO home some sporting gear from Shifting Gears/Gifting Gear's month-parks-recreation. equipment exchange, and learn about topics from recycling to rooftop solar. More details at www.lakeoswego.city. For more information on Arbor Week or Urban and Community W URBAN AND Forestry events,visit www.lakeoswego.city/planning,email COMMUNITY Continued on page 2 planning@lakeoswego.city,or call 503-635-0290. FORE STRY \ k TAGGED FOR A REASONr ,„_,,,.... ,4;n1:...'.5°,i 1 �# Tree ID for Urban Forest Management �r,,, : - ": `, Have you noticed numbered metal tags attached to trees during a visit to one of our parks?While these tags may seem like debris, they are actually an essential part of the City's urban forest management efforts. " ._ y The Parks and Public Works Departments are conducting an inventory in public spaces to map and collect data about trees, including species, size and condition, an action recommended in the 2024 Urban and Community Forestry Plan. Tree inventory data will aid the City in making informed management decisions for the long-term ,^f ,. z' health and sustainability of the urban forest. The numbered aluminum identification tags allow us to easily A locate, identify and monitor individual trees, and coordinate maintenance efforts. 4.,0 In the coming years,you can expect to see more trees with numbered tags. We ask that you please do not ,.- im• remove them. Each tag is attached with a small gauge aluminum nail to minimize bark disruption and we avoid driving the nail deep into the tree to allow room for diameter growth.The tags may be easy to remove, but y- • :' removing a tag leads to wasted time and resources when we need to identify a tree later. . •. '• `r - As urban forests are increasingly faced with challenges like invasive pests and extreme weather events, it is crucial to be able to quickly locate and respond to impacts on our trees. These identification tags are a key tool in managing the health of our urban forest. Thank you for helping us preserve the beauty and vitality of our community's trees. Please leave the tree identification tags in place for the benefit of all. WAYS TO CELEBRATE Continued from page 1 Year of the Oak: Arborist Workshop & Film Screening Soil Your Undies for Science Thursday, April 10, 6 to 8 p.m., Lake Theater& Cafe, 106 N. State Street Life underground is just as complex and vital as the plants above. Oswego Join us for an evening of learning and discussion on Oregon white oaks! Lake Watershed Council (OLWC) invites you to participate in the "Soil Your This event explores a wide range of topics essential for oak tree health and Undies" challenge to measure and nurture this hidden world. Simply bury maintenance with a short film screening and an informative presentation a pair of cotton undies for 60 days and see how soil organisms break them led by ISA Certified Arborist Brian French. Learn to recognize signs of oak down.The more they decompose, the healthier your soil is! Here's how to tree health issues, structural problems, common pests and diseases, best participate: practices for watering, mulching, and planting around oaks, and how to 1. Visit www.oswegowatershed.org/2025-soil-your-undies to register and protect them from storm damage. Bring your oak tree questions for the get event details. closing Q&A. This program is offered by Oswego Lake Watershed Council 2. Pick up your free challenge kit on Saturday, April 5 at the Trillium Festival in cooperation with the Lake Theater& Café and funded by the Oregon or on Sunday, April 6 at the Lake Oswego Sustainability Resource Fair. Watershed Enhancement Board. Admission is free, but preregistration is Alternative pick-up locations are also available. required. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Doors open at 5:45. 3. Bury the new pair of cotton underwear included in your challenge kit on For more details and registration, visit https://events.humanitix.com/year-of- Saturday, April 22. the-oak-arborist-workshop-and-film-screening and click "get tickets" in the 4. Dig up the underwear on Tuesday,June 24 and take a photo for OLCW. upper right corner. 5. Join OLWC on Saturday,June 28 for a virtual reveal event. Paper Making Craft for Kids Gnomes & Bees in Nature Friday,April 11, 11 a.m., Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 4th Street The wily Stewardship Gnomes, Blossom, Greenie and Oak, and their bee Celebrate Arbor Month AND Lake Oswego Reads by making your own buddy Polli will be hiding in three natural area parks from April to October, handmade paper. Materials will be provided.This program is sponsored by moving to different parks on the first of each month. Come out and find the Friends of Lake Oswego Public Library and admission is free. For more them,you may win a prize! Here's what to do: information, contact the Children's desk at 503-697-6580 or visit www.lopl. • Find the forest friends in three different natural area parks each month. org/kids. In April, they will be hiding in Cooks Butte, George Rogers, and Bryant Mountain Park Stream Restoration Woods. Wednesday, April 16, 9 to 11 a.m., Elizabeth M. Gress Park, parking is • Scan the QR code and take a photo of you, your dog, or anything else by available on side streets, access the park from McNary Parkway a Gnome and/or the Bee. The common spaces in Mountain Park are home to a diverse forest that • With your participation, you may be selected to win your very own provides a valuable wildlife corridor. Invasive species, especially English ivy, garden gnome in October. have taken over the forest and Oswego Lake Watershed Council needs your Visit lo-stewardship.org each month to learn where the Gnomes and Bee help! We will be pulling invasive ivy and other invasive species to prepare have moved and discover fun facts about native plants, wildlife, and the native groundcover recovery. Pulling ivy requires volunteers to be able to City's 500 acres of park natural areas. bend over or kneel, but we can arrange alternate projects for those with different abilities or mobility issues. For additional information and free registration, visit https://forms.gle/Mfs6bYawuTRJUCLz9. Springbrook Park Preschool Nature Walk Wednesday, April 23, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Springbrook Park, park at Uplands - Elementary School or along the street, 2055 Wembley Park Road, meet at the Park kiosk behind the playground •k• Preschoolers can join Friends of Springbrook Park for a fun and interactive nature walk through Springbrook Park. Exploration buckets will be provided lb . ici for hands on discovering. This event is free and no pre-registration is required. Preschoolers need to be accompanied by an adult. Contact Anne 4 Lider anne.lider@gmail.com with questions. i \ Oak Woodland Ecology Walk 1 ' Al I Saturday, April 26, 10 to 11:30 a.m., park at the church at 14903 Westlake Drive I iiiiiiii. boy Join Oswego Lake Watershed Council on an oak woodland walking tour. I Explore native understory plants and flowers, discover a variety of birds, liS • I and see the progress being made to restore and enhance this valuable MI - � habitat, all while enjoying good company. Gloves and light refreshments t• will be provided. Sturdy close-toed shoes are recommended.This event is �( --Im' free and family-friendly. Visit this link for registration: https://forms.gle/ •• i Bok1QiLr5iKCCKYK7. 1 1 4 l , /r ra , �4 ht t � 4f.1 cif' 4. / .J BALANCING BEAUTY AND SAFETY WORKSHOP SERIES Lake Oswego's Wildfire Mitigation Success Each year the City offers a series of free Urban and Wildfire safety is a growing concern for residents of the Pacific Northwest, especially as we Community Forestry Workshops for the public. Pre see the devastating impact of fires in places like California and closer to home, such as the registration is required and capacity is limited with preference 2020 Almeda and Santiam Fires. Wildfire was listed as a primary threat to the urban forest given to Lake Oswego residents. For complete details and free in the 2022 Lake Oswego State of the Forest Report, along with invasive plants, insects registration, please call 503 635 0290 or visit and diseases, severe weather events, and development.To address wildfire risks, FireWise www.lakeoswego.city/planning/workshop-series, unless programs led by local fire departments have equipped residents with vital knowledge and otherwise specified. This year's lineup: tools to reduce fire hazards around their homes.The Lake Oswego Fire Department offers Tree Pruning Workshop property owners free assessments for homes located in the Wildland-Urban Interface to provide recommendations on ways to eliminate a fire's potential relationship with the Saturday,April 5, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Foothills Park Pavilion, house. For more information on home assessments, visit: www.lakeoswego.city/fire/ 199 Foothills Road wildfire-risk-prevention. Understand why, what, and how to prune to develop healthy, strong, and attractive trees and shrubs. Explore pruning types, On City owned and managed properties in Lake Oswego, the Parks and Recreation proper cutting tools and techniques, and tree responses to Department has dedicated countless hours each year to fuel reduction and hazard pruning.This workshop is led by ISA Board Certified Master mitigation in our parks and open spaces, improving the safety of residents while setting Arborist Rick Till. an example for best practices in wildfire prevention. In partnership with the Lake Oswego Fire Department (LOFD), the Oregon State Fire Marshal, and the Clackamas County Fire Tree Planting Workshop Department, new policies have been established to manage fuel loads along park borders Saturday,April 12, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Foothills Park Pavilion, that are adjacent to homes, all while preserving the lush tree canopy for which Lake 199 Foothills Oswego is known. Learn what the City is doing to prepare for the arrival of One of the key strategies has been the creation of a shaded-fuel break, which is tailored Emerald ash borer, an invasive insect pest that threatens all for suburban environments. This approach allows for the thinning of understory vegetation ash tree species, and practice proper tree planting techniques and small trees that could become ladder fuels, while preserving the larger canopy trees, while we install a variety of native tree species to help replace to help prevent the spread of high-intensity fires. By collaborating with property owners to the inevitable loss of the ash tree canopy in Foothills Park. manage fuels and eliminate ignition sources on their properties, we are working together Dress for the weather and wear closed toed shoes. This to minimize the risk of devastating crown fires. workshop is led by Parks and Recreation staff. Although it may be impossible to completely fireproof a forest, through coordinated efforts Oregon White Oak Tree Survey Training we can significantly reduce the chances of uncontrolled wildfires affecting our community. Saturday,April 19, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., East Waluga Park Picnic a krfir 4 f ' �n " Shelter, 15505 Quarry Road -�`, ,. ' � ' ';,' i `' , '¢�.. a , �. it, If you like Oregon white oaks, don't miss this chance to a7h 'S x er :' toJr r. ", _ '�_ f xf ;I: �,'f,,., /il participate in a community science project! The Oswego Lake 1 *.. - , ,, ' � - >4 i` "� ,� ! 1' Watershed Council (OLWC) has developed a simple tool for "'" 3 ? 1n trained participants to survey Oregon white oaks throughout the City. Locating trees and collecting data on their size, y -,� . - = condition and overall health helps to inform management f 4 :: v� ,, ' ,, _, - y' � decisions. While the City is undertaking an inventory of trees � ' ,,�' m A, on City owned properties, residents can work with OLWC� to help develop an even better understanding of the urban .r$ ;r , i forest. Follow along as the workshop hosts demonstrate �� ';. * • a ffi ` .\ how to use the survey tool and collect tree data, then set x, ` out to survey oaks throughout East Waluga Park with the October 19,2022 August 29,2024 hosts there to assist and answer questions. You'll be trained to survey oaks on your own property or your neighbors' with their permission and a signed agreement provided by STEWARDSHIP WORK PARTIES OLWC.This workshop is led by OLWC Project Coordinator, Rio Hybert, with assistance from the City's contract arborist. Pre- Over 500 acres of park natural areas and open spaces in the City contribute to important registration is required. Registered participants will receive habitat for plants and animals, watershed and stormwater management and health. These an email a few days prior to the event with information to park natural areas also provide places for the community to connect with nature. Join a review and instructions for downloading the survey tool to Friends of the Parks volunteer habitat restoration work party to help keep our park natural your phone or tablet. Please bring your charged device and areas and open spaces healthy and beautiful: wear close-toed shoes. Register here: https://forms.gle/ • Sunday,April 6, 1 to 3 p.m., Friends of Luscher Farm Invasive Removal, fCpwpQFzPQyPR3Mg6. 125 S Rosemont Road Help restore a 300-square-foot natural area near the northeast corner of the Luscher More workshops coming soon: Community Gardens. Contact Kaleb Simpson at stewardship@lakeoswego.city for additional information. • Sunday,April 27, 1 to 3 p.m., Investigate the Forest at Freepons Park, 1399 Bickner Tree Removal Permits Street (street parking only) Thursday, May 29, 5 to 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 380 A Avenue Gather the whole family for a fun-filled Nature Treasure Hunt hosted by the Friends or register to watch online of Hallinan Woods in beautiful Freepons Park! All materials will be provided. Contact Debbie Craig at 650-380-4179 or kbrizgys@gmail.com for additional information. Preparing for Emerald Ash Borer • Saturday, May 3, 9 to 11 a.m., Pull Together at West Waluga Park, 15775 Waluga Drive Saturday,June 28, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Foothills Park Join the Friends of Waluga Park in removing teasel overtaking the wetlands next to the Tree Species Identification West Waluga paved path. Contact Lindsey Boccia at 503-943-0480 or LakeForestChair@ P gmail.com for additional information. July 19 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at George Rogers Park For additional information, visit www.LO-STEWARDSHIP.org or contact Kaleb Simpson, Tree Protection Plans and Tree Code Natural Resource & Stewardship Coordinator, at stewardship@lakeoswego.city. Violations August date T.B.D., 5 to 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 380 A Avenue or register to watch online TREE CARE & MAINTENANCE Creating Backyard Habitat Visit www.lakeoswego.city/trees for seasonal tree care and maintenance advice. This September 27 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Tryon Creek State webpage is updated quarterly by an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist. Explore the Natural Area archives to learn about invasive pests like emerald ash borer and Mediterranean oak borer, best practices for pruning, watering, mulching and removing invasive ivy, how to clean and sharpen pruning tools, bird nesting season, maintaining healthy trees, managing storm damaged trees, retaining and creating wildlife snags, and so much more! 4. lc, J ` �re2 'i. �' II �� tom . INFORMATION: r www.lakeoswego.city .. *r" '' , � GREG0� ' I 2024 Tree Removal TREE REMOVAL PERMITS The total quantity of trees permitted for removal in 2024 was less than A tree removal permit is required to remove any tree that is 6-inches in the five-year annual average, and following the severe wind, snow and diameter or larger in the City of Lake Oswego. There are a variety of tree ice storm in January 2024, the City permitted removal of more hazard permits to address different tree types and situations: and emergency trees than ever before. A total of 481 hazard trees were permitted for removal in 2024 versus 385 total in the prior two years (2022- Type I Permit- For removal of up to two trees between 6-and 15-inch 2023) and more than the 431 hazard trees permitted for removal following trunk diameter per year on residentially zoned lots occupied by a single- the 2021 February ice storm. This is in addition to the 129 emergency trees family dwelling, with no limits on the quantity or size of fruit-bearing tree permitted for removal in 2024 which is nearly twice as many emergency removals. trees as were permitted following the 2021 storm. Type II Permit- For trees that do not qualify for other tree removal Total Quantity of Trees Permitted for Removal by Permit Type permit types and that are being removed for landscaping or development in the Last Five Years(2020-2024) purposes. Mitigation for tree removal is required. Dead 588 Emergency Tree Permit- For trees that present an immediate danger of 1 23% collapse and represent a clear and present hazard to persons or property. Invasive 238 Hazard Tree Permit- For high or extreme risk trees that are cracked, split, Type I 412 leaning or physically damaged to the degree that it is clear that the tree a, 16% a 1 is likely to fail and injure persons or property and where pruning will not g' Type II for 391 Landscaping 15% alleviate the hazard. v I a 481 To Hazard Dead Tree Permit- For trees that are dead or are in a progressive and 19% 1 irreversible state of decline. FF Verification 81 v 3% Invasive Trees- For removal of trees on the City's Invasive Tree Species List Type II for 234 at www.lakeoswego.city/trees/invasive-tree-species-removal-application. Development 9% I Emergency 129 Verification Permit For trees previously approved for removal through 5% a land use decision, such as a subdivision or partition. Mitigation for tree Forest 1 removal is required. Management I<1% Forest Management Permit- For managing large forested tracts for the 0 100 200 300 400 soo 600 purposes of improving forest health. Quantity of Trees Permitted for Removal 2024 Tree Removal for Development During 2024, 12% of trees permitted for removal were associated Tree Removal 5-year Average with development including both Type II permits for the purposes of The following bar chart provides a summary of the total quantity of trees development and Verification permits for land use applications. The permitted for removal by permit type over the five-year period between other 88% of trees permitted for removal were dead, invasive, hazardous, 2020-2024. On average, a total of 2,930 trees were permitted for removal emergency,Type I, Type II for landscaping purposes, or Forest Management. each year. Invasive, Dead,Type I and Hazard trees account for 67%of permitted removals, while 14%of permitted removal are Type II for Percent of Trees Permitted for Removal in 2024 for the Purposes of landscaping purposes, 16% are Verification and Type II for development Development vs All Other Application Types purposes, and 3%are Emergency and Forest Management. Type II for Development and Verification Permits Total Quantity of Trees Permitted for Removal by Permit Type 315 trees,1z% in the Last Five Years (2020-2024) Dead 3078 21% I I 1 I I I I I I I Invasive 2817 19% I I I I I 1 I I Type 2449 17% cu a I I 1II II111111 i Type II for 2061 Landscaping 14% a 1 I All Other Permit Types 73 Hazard 1544 2240 trees,88% > 1 11% o 11 1 1 1 1 1 1 cc Verification* 1310 a, 9% 2 1 II I I 1 I I 1 I I ~ Type II for 111111.M 996 DevelopmentI I 7% 2024 Mitigation for Tree Removal Emergency ■ 282 2% Type II and Verification tree removal applications require one or two new Forest in trees to be planted as mitigation for each tree permitted for removal, and Management ' 1% 1 payment into the City's Tree Fund in lieu of planting is allowed only when 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 staff determines there is insufficient space on site to replant. In 2024, a total Quantity of Trees Permitted for Removal of 689 mitigation trees were required to be planted and 28 payments to the Tree Fund were allowed for the 706 Type II and Verification trees permitted for removal. CITY TREE CODE AMENDMENT PROJECT TO BEGIN THIS SPRING Since 2022 the Council has set annual goals to address the sustainable summer to gather feedback from residents and key stakeholders. If you are management of the City's urban forest. Over the past two years, the City interested, contact the project coordinator. updated both its State of the Urban Forest Report and Urban and Community • Attend Public Events & Meetings—The City will host a public outreach Forest Plan. Now it's time to refine the City's tree regulations based on event and meetings with boards, commissions, and the recommendations from these plans. City Council. Stay tuned for dates and details! Work on this project is expected to begin in May and will take about a year Want to stay in the loop?Visit www.lakeoswego.city/ LAKE to complete. A consultant will lead the effort, and there will be several planning/pp-24-0006-tree-code-and-community- OSWEGO opportunities for input from the community. Here's how you can get involved: development-code-cdc-amendments to sign up for project • Apply to serve on the Tree Task Force—Recruitment starts in April! Visit updates, or reach out to the project coordinator,Jessica — Numano lu at 'numano lu@lakeoswe o.cit or URBAN AND www.lakeoswego.city/boc for details. g g g y COMMUNITY FORE$TRy • Participate in a Stakeholder Focus Group—Meetings will be held this 503-635-0290.