Tree Task Force Meeting #6 – 05/20/2026 Hosted via Zoom

The City of Lake Oswego Tree Task Force held its sixth meeting on May 20, 2026, primarily to discuss updates and policy considerations related to the urban community forestry plan and draft tree code amendments. Key procurement-related discussions included the review of forest management permits, hazardous tree removal on private properties, and compliance with new state law House Bill 4037, which affects clear and objective standards for tree removal applications. The task force reviewed multiple policy options regarding forest management permits, including eligibility criteria and enforcement responsibilities, with mixed consensus among members and city council. The council showed majority support for revising permit criteria to better align with forest management objectives. The task force also debated enforcement of hazardous dead tree removal on private property, with divided opinions on whether the city should have authority to enforce removal. The meeting included votes on these policy options and discussions on the implications for city code enforcement resources and public safety. The task force acknowledged the challenges posed by new state mandates limiting public appeals on certain tree removal permits and emphasized ongoing efforts to balance regulatory compliance with community concerns. No direct contract awards or procurement actions were reported, but the meeting focused on policy decisions that could influence future city forestry management and related vendor or consultant engagements.