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NATURAL AREAS AND ENVIRONMENT

NA.1 Improve environmental function of urbanized areas and mitigate impacts

NA.1.1 Create and implement program to maximize native/low-maintenance/drought-tolerant landscaping of public spaces throughout East Portland: public buildings/properties, street medians, schools.
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On 04-25-2011 at 10:49 am, Mark White (markpdx [at] spiritone [dot] com) wrote:

The Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association has an established long term restoration project on the Springwater Corridor between SE 128th and SE 136th. Several events have taken place that have removed invasive species such as ivy and blackberries and replaced it with native species. At least two native species plantings have already taken place.

NA.1.2 Increase street tree plantings throughout East Portland.
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On 08-19-2011 at 1:02 pm, Linda Robinson (lrobinspdx [at] comcast [dot] net) wrote:

Friends of trees did a street tree planting event in the Hazelwood Neighborhood.

On 04-25-2011 at 10:52 am, Mark White (markpdx [at] spiritone [dot] com) wrote:

An Arbor Day tree planting was held at West Powellhurst Park in the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood in 2009. It was the first time the City of Portland conducted a Arbor Day planting in East Portland.

On 04-25-2011 at 10:51 am, Mark White (markpdx [at] spiritone [dot] com) wrote:

The Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association has joined the Friends of Trees for plantings in the neighborhood in 2009 and 2010. A new neighborhood tree coordinator is on board and already planning for 2011.

NA.1.3 Develop standards to maximize application of "green streets" to serve multiple neighborhood objectives: stormwater management, pedestrian safety, green space.
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NA.1.4 Develop Citywide Tree Code initiative to address tree code and development issues.
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On 08-09-2011 at 4:00 pm, christina scarzello/bureau of planning and sustainability (christina [dot] scarzello [at] portlandoregon [dot] gov) wrote:

The Portland City Council adopted the Citywide Tree Project and portions of the project went into effect on July 1, 2011. The project manager is Roberta Jortner (503-823-7855). The project web site describes how the elements of the project will be implemented over time: http://www.portlandonline.com/bps/index.cfm?c=46921

the documents can be viewed at: http://www.portlandonline.com/bps/index.cfm?c=47008&

NA.1.5 Expand school composting program.
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On 04-25-2011 at 10:53 am, Mark White (markpdx [at] spiritone [dot] com) wrote:

Ron Russell Middle School in the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood has a worm composting project.

NA.2 Improve natural areas throughout East Portland

NA.2.1 Improve Johnson Creek habitat and flood storage.
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On 09-22-2011 at 11:32 pm, lore (lore [dot] wintergreen [at] ci [dot] portland [dot] or [dot] us) wrote:

Work is underway on the East Lents Floodplain Restoration Project. This is the first year of a two-year project to restore 24 acres of floodplain on a 70-acre site located south of Foster Road between SE 106th Avenue and the Brookside Wetlands (east of SE 111th/112th Ave). In addition the project will:
- Add flood storage
- Reduce the frequency of flooding on Foster Road, area homes and businesses (Johnson Creek currently floods an average of every other year.)
- Improve habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife
- Recreate stream channels and shade the creek
- Help meet State of Oregon water quality standards and Endangered Species Act requirements
- Help revitalize the Lents area

The project includes removing more than 50,000 cubic yards of soil (about 5,000 dump truck loads) from lowlands next to Johnson Creek to reconnect the creek to its floodplain. After excavation is complete, Environmental Services will revegetate the project site with about 70,000 native trees and shrubs.

For more information see the Environmental Services' website, search: East Lents Floodplain Restoration Project or contact David Allred at 503-823-7287 or david [dot] allred [at] portlandoregon [dot] gov

On 03-09-2011 at 12:02 pm, Maggie Skenderian (maggie [dot] skenderian [at] portlandoregon [dot] gov) wrote:

BES is working with Portland Parks and the Army Corps of Engineers to restore the wetlands west of Beggars Tick to the base of Zenger Farm. The Springwater Wetlands project has been a work in progress, awaiting Army Corps funding since 2002. City staff is currently working with Army Corps to finalize the planning and design process. Construction is expected to start in 2012 with removal of invasive species from the wetlands. The project will improve the function and habitat value of the wetlands. Pending funding, the project may include pedestrian access and a public use 'hub'.

On 03-09-2011 at 11:56 am, Maggie Skenderian (maggie [dot] skenderian [at] portlandoregon [dot] gov) wrote:

Completed land aquisition for E Lents Floodplain Restoration Project in 2011, for a total of 119 acres preserved in frequently flooded and sensitive natural areas.

Construction on Phase I E Lents Floodplain project will begin this spring. Phase II is in early design. BES acquired a $2.7 million FEMA grant for this project. Total design and construction project costs are approximately $6 million with land acquisition costs of approximately $10 million.

On 02-28-2011 at 2:17 pm, Dolores Wood, PGNA Greening Chair (pgna_greening [at] yahoo [dot] com) wrote:

On Feb 19th, Members of Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood planted 180 wildflowers East of SE 128th Ave., along the North side of the Springwater Trail. The area planted had been cleared of an over growth of chickary on Jan. 17th and is approximately 15,000 sq. ft. We may be able to arrange another planting before the end of March.
PGNA, with PP&Rec will again be pulling ivy on the South side of the Springwater Trail on March 26th, near the same location. Some members of the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood will also be assisting Johnson Creek Watershed Council in their Watershed Wide Event, pulling ivy at Leach Botanical Gardens on March 5th. These upcoming events are contingent on the weather.

On 02-23-2011 at 6:15 pm, Leach Botanical Garden (dporter [at] leachgarden [dot] org) wrote:

Restoration of the Johnson Creek watershed in the Leach Botanical Garden properties continues and will be enhanced by a Johnson Creek Watershed Council/ Leach joint project in March.
A spawned coho was found on the banks of the Creek in the Park in January.

NA.2.2 Advance Powell Butte wildfire protection.
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NA.2.3 Eradicate invasive plant species in public and natural areas.
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On 12-22-2011 at 3:38 pm, David Porter (dporter [at] leachgarden [dot] org) wrote:

Volunteers from Deloitte spent a day clearing invasive species at Leach Botanical Garden. Leach Garden Volunteers continue to work weekly on removal of invasive species. Leach Garden staff continue to assess the status of plants within the Garden. The new Leach Garden Collection Assessment recommended removal of some species with invasive tendencies.

On 04-25-2011 at 10:55 am, Mark White (markpdx [at] spiritone [dot] com) wrote:

The Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association has an ongoing major restoration project along the Springwater Corridor between SE 128th and SE 136th. The project includes the removal of invasive species, most notably ivy and blackberries, along the Corridor. Several ivy pulls have already taken place.

On 02-23-2011 at 6:17 pm, Leach Botanical Garden (dporter [at] leachgarden [dot] org) wrote:

Volunteers are continuing to remove invasive species within the bounds of Leach Botanical Garden. Upcoming in April we will have school children from Gresham removing invasive species for Earth Day.

NA.3 Increase public access to natural areas

NA.3.1 Create passive recreation development standards that are sensitive to habitat needs and seek to minimize impacts to neighboring residents.
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NA.3.2 Develop opportunities for increased public access to BES/City-owned properties for passive recreation.
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NA.3.3 Purchase land in the Lava Domes area to begin "Forest Park East."
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NA.3.4 Support Zenger Farm outreach and wetland restoration programs.
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On 07-20-2011 at 7:04 am, Northwest Housing Alternatives (robinson [at] nwhousing [dot] org) wrote:

We addressed goal NA.3.4 by incorporating a field trip to the Farm for Springwater Commons’ children and youth. The participants toured Zenger Farm and learned from staff about sustainable gardening and healthy eating.
NHA also coordinated with Zenger Farm to present at Springwater this fall about how to buy and prepare healthy foods on a budget.

NA.3.5 Develop and implement East Portland natural areas public education program to increase awareness and use (where appropriate).
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NA.4 Attain environmental equity in East Portland

NA.4.1 Increase active and passive recreation space on par with citywide recreation space and best practices standards.
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On 12-22-2011 at 3:41 pm, David Porter (dporter [at] leachgarden [dot] org) wrote:

Leach Botanical Garden Business Plan includes values which support better active and passive recreation in the historic Garden grounds as well as in design elements to be included as the Upper Garden plans go forward.

NA.4.2 Require incorporation of environmental sustainability practices for all projects receiving public funding.
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East Portland Action Plan | East Portland Neighborhood Office - 1017 NE 117th Ave., Portland, OR 97220 | 503-823-4035 | lore.wintergreen [at] portlandoregon [dot] gov