Portland General Electric (PGE) has received approval from a Portland hearings officer to proceed with its plan to install new utility infrastructure in Forest Park, one of the nation’s largest urban forests. The project will require removing about 400 trees across nearly five acres to install power poles and 1,400 feet of transmission lines.
About Forest Park
Spanning 5,200 acres in Northwest Portland, Forest Park provides critical wildlife habitat, including for Northern red-legged frogs, and features over 80 miles of public trails.
Harborton Reliability Project
The tree removal is part of PGE’s Harborton Reliability Project, designed to enhance grid reliability and meet increasing energy demands as the region transitions to renewable energy. PGE argues the upgrades are necessary to prevent potential power outages.
Environmental Concerns and Opposition
Environmental groups, community members, and city agencies, including Portland Parks & Recreation, oppose the project, citing concerns over habitat loss and the removal of mature trees. The city’s Permitting and Development office also recommended against approval due to environmental impacts.
Hearings Officer’s Decision
Despite opposition, Hearings Officer Marisha Childs approved the project, stating PGE demonstrated its necessity and that the plan represents the “least environmentally detrimental” option. She acknowledged the controversy but emphasized that the decision was based on factual analysis, not public sentiment.
Mitigation Measures
As a condition of approval, PGE must plant Oregon white oaks and native shrubs in the affected area, monitor them for two years, and submit maintenance reports to ensure their survival.
Next Steps
While PGE can now proceed, groups like the Sierra Club are considering an appeal. The project’s timeline and potential legal challenges remain uncertain.
