PGE has resubmitted phase 3 of their Harborton Reliability Project. This proposed work would remove 4.7 acres of trees in the northern part of Forest Park. Over the course of this year, we have monitored the status of this proposal as it has evolved, and stayed in contact with neighborhood groups and other local nonprofits to mobilize and educate our communities on the potential impacts of this project. We have heard from many of our supporters about their concerns and we continue to advocate for alternative solutions. Forest Park is a special place and the cutting of hundreds of trees, some over 150 years old, is unthinkable, let alone the impact that this project would have on local wildlife.
We are partnering with Bird Alliance of Oregon, Intertwine Alliance, and others to host a virtual webinar on November 20th at 6 p.m. In this program, we’ll dive into what the project entails, what’s at stake, and how you can take action. Photographer Scott Carpenter will show his awe-inspiring photographs of the park’s wildlife, and author Marcy Cottrell Houle will share her deep knowledge of the park’s past and present. We will all share our thoughts on the project and provide guidance on how you can advocate for Forest Park.
In advance of the webinar, we plan on releasing a more detailed article noting our concerns, but for now here are two of our primary concerns.
1) The revised application does not address our previous concerns, this revised proposal will still remove nearly five acres of trees, 376 living trees to be specific. It also permanently fills two wetlands and impacts two streams, disrupting wildlife habitats and corridors.
2) New information provided by PGE is that future phases of this project will involve another 15 acres of forest Park to the north. This is not information that PGE has shared at their recent community events, and it is a major cause for concern when it comes to the future of Forest Park.
If you would like to review the proposal materials yourself, you can view them on the city’s website.
Nature Night: The Fight for Forest Park is free and open to the public. Click the hyperlink to sign up for the webinar on Bird Alliance of Oregon’s website.