Portland launches strategic plan for urban forest areas as risks persist

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • July 29, 2026

Invasive pests. Intensifying storms. Housing development pressure. The trees of Maine’s largest city are increasingly at risk. “We’re facing pretty strong headwinds,” said Jack Phillips, executive director of Portland Parks Conservancy, who estimates that the city is planting only two trees for every three it loses. In an effort to fight back against these challenges, the conservancy has partnered with the city and a consulting firm to develop an urban forest master plan.