Branch out pdx
[VISIT THE PROJECT WEBSITE]
Branch Out PDX is a partnership between Portland State University and Portland Parks & Recreation, with the goal to equitably increase Portland's urban tree canopy
Portland has a goal of increasing tree canopy and its distribution to improve not only the environment, but also public health and livability. The project seeks to identify the best ways to increase canopy, with a special focus on equity. Currently tree canopy in Portland is below the city’s goal. Additionally, existing canopy is not equitably distributed throughout the city: lower income neighborhoods have significantly lower tree canopy coverage and fewer street trees than other neighborhoods. The reasons behind this inequitable distribution of trees are complex, and influencing factors include property owner income (trees cost money to maintain), past planting practices, quality and availability of planting spaces, pressure from development, and community attitudes towards trees.
The goals of this project are to:
- Publish a strategy that includes a city plan analysis, spatial analysis, and recommendations
- Ensure historically underserved neighborhoods benefit and are involved in this the important work for their communities
- Strengthen collaboration around tree canopy goals and planting efforts
- Create a publicly available, interactive planting map to help identify plantable areas based on city and community priorities
Public involvement is a key element of this project. Stakeholders are involved in all stages, and public involvement includes:
- Community Advisory Committee
- Key Stakeholder Committee
- Focused community group meetings
- Interviews with public agencies and tree planting organizations
- Public survey
Special thanks to our partners:
Portland has a goal of increasing tree canopy and its distribution to improve not only the environment, but also public health and livability. The project seeks to identify the best ways to increase canopy, with a special focus on equity. Currently tree canopy in Portland is below the city’s goal. Additionally, existing canopy is not equitably distributed throughout the city: lower income neighborhoods have significantly lower tree canopy coverage and fewer street trees than other neighborhoods. The reasons behind this inequitable distribution of trees are complex, and influencing factors include property owner income (trees cost money to maintain), past planting practices, quality and availability of planting spaces, pressure from development, and community attitudes towards trees.
The goals of this project are to:
- Publish a strategy that includes a city plan analysis, spatial analysis, and recommendations
- Ensure historically underserved neighborhoods benefit and are involved in this the important work for their communities
- Strengthen collaboration around tree canopy goals and planting efforts
- Create a publicly available, interactive planting map to help identify plantable areas based on city and community priorities
Public involvement is a key element of this project. Stakeholders are involved in all stages, and public involvement includes:
- Community Advisory Committee
- Key Stakeholder Committee
- Focused community group meetings
- Interviews with public agencies and tree planting organizations
- Public survey
Special thanks to our partners:
