Although Friends of Trees rarely becomes directly involved in advocacy issues, we offer advice to citizens who want to engage in urban forest advocacy. If you are attempting to protect a tree or trees on a piece of property, we suggest that you check with your city hall to determine which bureau issues permits for tree removal in your city. A partial list of these bureaus and their telephone numbers is given below:

Beaverton: 503-526-2237, 503-526-2271, or 502-526-2206
Forest Grove: 503-992-3233
Gresham: 503-618-2421
Hillsboro: 503-681-6153
Lake Oswego: 503-635-0290
Milwaukie: 503-786-7630
Portland: 503-823-4489
Sherwood: 503-625-4227
Tigard: 503-639-4171 ext. 2589
Tualatin: 503-692-2000
Vancouver: 360-619-1128 (street trees), 360-696-8105 (trees on private property)
West Linn: 503-657-0331
Wilsonville: 503-682-4960

Check with the appropriate bureau to determine if a permit has been issued. Even if the permit has been issued, ask officials at your city hall about an appeals process. If your city is a Tree City USA, it must have a tree board or tree commission, which you can appeal to. The ultimate authority will probably be your city council.

When stating your case, whether it is about the removal of a tree or a policy issue, we suggest you speak passionately but not angrily. We also emphasize that there is strength and influence in numbers. We also encourage you to use facts and to document your testimony.