Portland is a paddling mecca for international whitewater kayakers. Rivers like the Little White Salmon and Canyon Creek are what initially drew me to the City of Bridges. But what’s kept me here for fifteen years is the flatwater closer to home -- the Willamette River.

A recent op-ed in The Oregonian recommends that Portland City Council scrap a 2011 tree plan and create a new code that does not require additional City resources, adequately protects and enhances Portland's tree canopy, and leaves private property rights alone. Easy task, right?