Local Kayakers RALLY to Oppose PGE Proposed Clearcut of Forest Park
On the morning of Sunday, January 19th, over a dozen kayaktivists paddled out in front of the Harborton Substation along the Willamette River in Portland, OR with a banner that read "Defend Forest Park", drawing attention to the area of Forest Park that Portland General Electric (PGE) is proposing to clearcut which includes wetlands, heritage oaks and biodiverse mature forest.
PGE was the target of this on-water protest on the Willamette River in North Portland. PGE is currently seeking approvals for the next phase of the "Harborton Reliability Project,” in which the company would clear-cut 5 acres in the northern end of Forest Park to build a new electrical transmission line connecting the Harborton Substation to Hillsboro. The project has already drawn significant opposition from environmental and climate groups, many of which signed onto a joint comment letter last month, who have criticized the utility for raising electric rates to pay for infrastructure that doesn't benefit local ratepayers, and for not considering other less environmentally impactful alternative routes for the powerline.
"We are out here to combat PGE's misinformation and to raise awareness about this issue," said Thorn Hartspring. "PGE is not being truthful about the extent of logging that would occur, the impact on vulnerable species, or who would benefit from this project. We refuse to let PGE get away with trying to greenwash a project that would clear cut our parks for big tech profit on the dime of Portland ratepayers."
Forest Park, located in Northwest Portland along the Tualatin Mountains and the convergence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, is one of the largest remaining urban forests in the country. PGE is proposing to clearcut at least five acres of forest along the powerline corridor, which would cause significant impacts to Forest Park and the surrounding ecosystem and impact recreational areas popular to Portland residents. In future phases of the project, PGE is also proposing to clear-cut an additional 15 acres to the north and northwest in Forest Park. These impacts are directly in conflict with the Forest Park Natural Resource Management Plan main goals to 1) Let the forest grow into ancient forest and 2) Protect and enhance its recreational/educational value.
Several kayakers on the water talked about their concerns of the harm this project would have on the environment and wildlife populations, including the Northern Red-legged Frog, which is listed by the state as a sensitive species and by the federal government as a species of concern. "The Willamette River and surrounding ecosystems have experienced violent industrialization from private interests for decades," said kayaker Leah Davis. "Northern Red-Legged Frogs are recognized as a sensitive species because of habitat loss. If you look at the waterfront along this river, you will see what extractive development like the Harborton Project can do to this ecosystem, and we can't afford anymore of it."
PGE claims that the project is needed for growing electricity demand due to climate smart electrification, but when looking at PGE’s data it is clear that the vast majority of increased demand is coming from tech facilities in Hillsboro, like Intel. "PGE’s power line expansion will not benefit Portland residents, but rather create energy infrastructure investments that serve the rapidly expanding technology sector in Hillsboro, including facilities like the Intel expansion project." said Kelly Marshall.
The City of Portland will be holding a public hearing on the proposal on January 29 at 9am, and are expected to issue a decision on the permit at the hearing.
###
