| Local Policy Description: | Trees can be an effective tool for sequestering carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, and also have important benefits for storm water management, urban temperature control, and water quality. The city and county plan to achieve emission reduction goals through the use of the principles listed below.
Principles for Enhancing CO2 Sequestration and Mitigation
1. Achieve a net gain in the size, health, and diversity of local forests, encouraging native species wherever practical.
2. Plant the right tree in the right place to achieve the greatest functional benefit and longevity.
3. Ensure community understanding of and appreciation for forest both as a vital part of Portland’s character and as a greenhouse gas-reduction strategy.
4. Pursue carbon-offset strategies to complement but not substitute for local emissions-reduction strategies.
The city and county plan to pursue reductions via the specific internal local government actions and community initiatives listed below.
The government will take action by 2010 to:
Adopt policies to restrict the purchase and use of non-sustainably harvested timber by city and county agencies.
Plant 3,000 acres of trees.
Update the City Urban Forestry Department’s inventory of the urban canopy to determine its current health and identify needs and priorities for future urban forest management.
Seek funding for urban forestry as a core component of the city’s climate, air, and water infrastructure.
Document and, where possible, quantify the multiple benefits associated with Portland’s urban canopy. Use this analysis to inform policy decisions and include this information in adult and child education programs.
Identify and promote the planting of tree species to accrue optimum benefits in the areas of carbon offsets, energy conservation, air quality, storm water management, and habitat.
Explore tax deferral for county forestlands certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
Implement best management practices for city and county urban landscaped areas and, where appropriate, seek certification.
Explore investing in carbon offsets and retire the credits to help meet the city and county’s overall greenhouse gas-reduction goal.
The community will take action by 2010 to:
Support private, non-profit, and government efforts to reforest 50,000 acres of Oregon timberland.
Improve development practices to limit destruction of trees and encourage planting of suitable trees.
Expand the urban forest and improve forest performance by maintaining trees carefully, eradicating invasive vegetation, and promoting trees that will perform well for a long period of time.
Forge partnerships with community cooperatives to organize tree-planting and maintenance events.
Improve community understanding of the role and value of the urban forest.
Secure increased funding for green infrastructure through partnerships and from businesses, residents, and organizations that benefit, either directly or indirectly, from tree planting.
Seek resolution to conflicting city, county, and State goals that impact urban forestry.
Encourage residents, businesses, governments, schools, and institutions to invest in greenhouse gas-reducing projects to offset their personal or corporate greenhouse gas emissions.
|