By Ed Jones
PGE already has power lines in Forest Park. The lines cross over the river (there are three towers on each side) just north of Linnton and then cross the park towards Hillsboro. Their presence in the park is authorized by an easement PGE negotiated with the city years ago.
PGE now wants to upgrade those lines and it wants to cut acres of trees to do it. What they are allowed to cut, and what they might have to do to mitigate the loss if permission is given, will be decided by the city after a hearing.
Raihana Ansary and Serena Stoudamire Wesley, representatives of PGE, will attend the July 10 general membership meeting to explain the project and answer questions about why it is needed and what changes it will bring to Forest Park.