Fairview, OR. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has announced that the City of Fairview is Oregon’s newest Tree City USA community, a designation awarded through the national Arbor Day Foundation.
The Tree City USA program recognizes cities that demonstrate a commitment to managing and expanding public trees using established best practices. To qualify, communities must meet four core standards: maintain a tree board or department, adopt a tree care ordinance, invest at least $2 per capita in urban forestry, and observe Arbor Day.
More than 3,600 communities nationwide have earned the designation, including 69 in Oregon.
Located in eastern Multnomah County just east of Gresham, Fairview has a population of about 11,000 residents. Incorporated in 1908, the city has evolved from an agricultural community into a primarily residential and commercial area, with a diverse population that includes many multilingual and foreign-born residents.
Mayor Keith Kudrna said the designation reflects both recognition and responsibility.
“The City Council is excited to put the Tree City USA designation into action by supporting the care and planting of our public trees,” Kudrna said. “We see this less as a recognition than a commitment to enhance our city’s tree infrastructure for the long-term benefit of our community.”
ODF Community Assistance Forester Allison O’Sullivan credited city staff and leadership for their efforts to meet the program’s requirements.
“They have a very active Community Development Department and supportive City Council, who understand the importance of expanding their tree canopy,” O’Sullivan said, noting the role of urban forests in building resilience against hotter, drier conditions and emerging pests.
As part of ongoing efforts, Fairview’s Tree Technical Work Group is collaborating with ODF’s Urban and Community Forestry team to update the city’s tree lists and ordinance. The work, led by Community Development Director Sarah Selden, aims to improve accessibility and align policies with modern urban forestry practices, including promoting a diverse tree canopy.
ODF officials say other communities and educational institutions across Oregon are encouraged to apply for Tree City USA or related recognition programs through the Arbor Day Foundation.
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