Applying Local Research to Equitable Urban Forest Management in Portland, OR

Jeff Ramsey, Botanic Specialist – ForestryJeff.Ramsey@PortlandOregon.gov

Canopy Goal: 33% by 2035

2000 2005 2010500,000

525,000

550,000

575,000

600,000

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

PDX Total Population

Percent Canopy Cover

Year

Popu

latio

n

Perc

ent C

anop

y Co

ver

Partnership With Portland State University• How is canopy cover

distributed in Portland?

•What factors determine that distribution?

•Where is there room to grow trees?

Canopy Cover: 19.6%

Canopy Cover: 54.6%

• 80% of residents live where canopy cover is lower than Los Angeles or NYC

Canopy Disparity

What Determines Canopy?

• Median income is the best predictor of canopy cover

Canopy Potential

Current Canopy Cover: 30%

Potential Canopy Cover: 53%

• Room for 1.3 million trees

• To meet canopy goal, need to realize 15% of potential

Barrier: Reliance on Volunteers

Barrier: Limited Rights-of-Way

Barrier: Development

Building the case with DATA!

Jeff Ramsey, Botanic Specialist – ForestryJeff.Ramsey@PortlandOregon.gov

Thanks!