Natural Resources Committee - October 14, 2026

The Oregon City Natural Resources Committee meeting on October 14, 2026, included a presentation on the city’s draft Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Readiness and Response Plan. Staff reported identifying approximately 540 ash trees on public lands and described a strategy to inventory and monitor trees, protect high-value trees where feasible, prioritize removal of declining or hazardous trees, manage wood waste under quarantine requirements, and replant with a diverse mix of suitable species. Removal and treatment costs are still being assessed and are expected to inform budget discussions beginning in early 2027. Staff noted an upcoming City Commission work session and said they may seek a programmatic permit for ash-tree removals to reduce the cost and staff burden of processing individual permits. Committee members raised questions about private-landowner outreach, treatment impacts, federal and regional coordination, and potential contractor needs; staff offered to respond to the questions in writing. No contract award, purchasing decision, or spending vote was identified.

The committee also discussed revisions to Natural Resources Overlay District outreach materials and the Park Place subdivision application, including proposed stormwater-pond impacts and revisions to its planting plan. David Evans and Associates is reviewing the revised proposal, and ICON Development is the applicant; a Planning Commission hearing was noted for November 23. Members discussed offering applicants neutral guidance on ecological landscape-design principles and possible external resources, without endorsing specific providers. No motions or votes were identified.