The purpose of this program is to provide for the protection of trees holding special significance within the city of Sisters. The preservation of mature, native trees within the city is a preferred alternative to removal and replanting. Mature trees reduce air and water pollution, provide summer shade and wind breaks, and require less water than establishing new landscaping plants.
The city finds that the ponderosa pine has a historical role in the city and dominates the landscape within the city limits. The city will prioritize ponderosa pines that meet the guidelines and criteria of the municipal code to be considered as candidates for the heritage tree designation.
The Urban Forestry Board will consider the following criteria in determining whether to recommend a ponderosa pine tree for the heritage tree designation: the tree age should be approximately 200 years or more; and the tree size should be approximately 30 inches in diameter measured at breast height (4.5 feet above the ground and abbreviated DBH) or greater and/or more than 85 feet tall.
For trees other than ponderosa pines, the Urban Forestry Board will consider each tree on a case-by-case basis and will consider, among such other criteria and characteristics the Urban Forestry Board deems necessary and appropriate, the occurrence (rarity) of the tree species in the city, its distribution throughout the city, its historical significance, and whether the species has a low population in the city.
Nominated trees must be within city limits, either on public or private property.
The City of Sisters introduced a Heritage Tree Program through Ordinance 516 in 2021 and was officially launched in 2024. The program is outlined in Municipal Code Chapter 4.05.050.
PLEASE SEE THE NOMINATION AND RESTRICTIVE CONVENANT FORMS BELOW.
For questions, please contact Public Works Project Coordinator Jackson Dumanch: jdumanch@ci.sisters.or.us or 541-323-5220