Act Now to Save Trees at the International Grove in NE Portland

At risk is a beloved grove of trees from around the world that were planted by the City a decade ago to reduce air and noise pollution from the adjacent industrial corridor and the airport.

Nearby Concordia and Cully residents and a coalition of nine other organizations, including the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) and residents of Nesika Illahee—affordable housing that NAYA provides for Native Americans in recovery—are now calling on the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) to protect the grove. The survival of its 60-plus trees, which have been thriving to date, is now under threat due to PBOT’s plan to replace the bridge over Lombard at 42nd Avenue. The grove was initially slated for use as a staging area during bridge construction. Also, people driving and parking inside the grove are also putting the trees at risk: Soil compaction kills tree roots.

Contact PBOT Director Chris Warner at chris.warner@portlandoregon.gov! Tell him to put in writing a verbal assurance PBOT provided to neighborhood tree advocates to protect the large-form trees there, including how protection will be managed and enforced.