Portland General Electric (PGE) has submitted a proposal to the city of Portland to update and expand their power grid infrastructure. The proposal, known as the Harborton Reliability Project, would upgrade one existing power line, and clearcut nearly five acres of forest in the northernmost section of Forest Park. This secluded area of the park includes two seasonal streams, 150+ year old trees, and a diverse native understory. It’s also vital habitat for red-legged frogs, a sensitive species in Oregon.
On this episode of Locus Focus we talk with Tania Neubauer with the Frog Coalition—who lives adjacent to the park—about why neighborhoods and park lovers across the region are rising up to stop this project. which could clearcut even more of the park if PGE gets its way.