Urban Forest Equity

What We’re Doing

Partnering with the City of Portland to create an Urban Forest Management Plan to help meet climate goals, improve tree equity, and enhance sustainability strategies.

Our Goal

To create a comprehensive plan to manage and expand Portland’s urban forest, addressing climate change, tree equity, and sustainability.

To create a comprehensive plan to manage and expand Portland’s urban forest, addressing climate change, tree equity, and sustainability.

Forest City Future by the Numbers

  • 14,100 acres of Portland’s total land area

  • 70 parks, 30 playgrounds, 40+ miles of multi-use trails

  • 20,000 public street trees, unevenly distributed

  • 15% target increase in urban tree canopy

  • 300+ trees lost annually to pests, storms, and development

  • Tree Equity Scores range from 100 (50%+ canopy) to 48 (7% canopy), linked to socio-economic factors

  • Downtown Portland experiences extreme heat, 10°F higher due to built infrastructure

Why Street Trees Matter
Street trees play a vital role in:

  • Cool the city – One tree provides the cooling power of ten air conditioners running 24/7.

  • Boost property values – Homes near trees sell for 3% more.

  • Improve air quality – Urban trees capture 10x more car exhaust than distant vegetation.

  • Enhance safety – More trees correlate with lower crime rates.

  • Support health – Green spaces aid recovery and reduce inflammation linked to disease.

  • Manage stormwater – Trees absorb 30% of rainfall, reducing wastewater overflows.

We’re working to create a healthier, greener Portland by assessing the city’s trees, identifying risks, and listening to the community. Our plan will focus on sustainable growth, expanding the tree canopy, boosting biodiversity, and improving overall tree health. With clear budgets and maintenance strategies, we’ll build a long-term roadmap for success. By 2025, we’ll map tree canopy inequities, prioritize biodiversity, and educate residents on the value of urban trees. Looking ahead, we’re committed to increasing urban forestry investment, tracking our progress, and growing Portland’s tree canopy by 15%.

Portland Parks Conservancy