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4 <br /> firs survive in the shelter of continuous forest canopies. <br /> However, as single specimens they are notoriously vulnerable to <br /> high winds as the '62 Columbus Day storm demonstrated by the <br /> jackstraw piles on the U of 0 campus and throughout the County. It <br /> is certain that that storm will be repeated within the lifespan of <br /> those Douglas firs on Willamette street. If this happened in an <br /> open space like a public park the damage will be limited, but on a <br /> busy public street in the downtown area it will be a disaster of <br /> great proportions. <br /> The Tree Foundation proposed to plant this section of <br /> Willamette with only Douglas firs and Oregon oaks. The citizens <br /> and everyone connected with street tree management abhor long <br /> monotonous stretches of trees. Some well- considered variety of <br /> structure and texture, and seasonal change of flower and fall color <br /> are absolutely necessary. <br /> I've discussed the special problems with the firs so I must <br /> address the problems with the oaks. From all of the 600 Ouercus <br /> species that one may choose, garryana,the Oregon oak, would be one <br /> near the bottom of the list of interesting street trees. It is a <br /> dull, uninteresting scrub tree unless is it a 50 -year Heritage <br /> specimen growing in a large expanse outside the urban area. Even <br /> if you wanted it you couldn't buy it, and it would take five years <br /> or more to grow specimens that would meet City specifications. <br /> There are numerous other oak species on the city streets which have <br /> proven themselves, are available, and are on the City's master <br /> list. <br />