City Benefits from Talents of Interns

The City of Forest Grove welcomed six interns in early January to the Community Development Department. The interns will be working on projects to assist with the City’s Comprehensive Plan Update.

Nick Stockton and Allison Jones are serving as Land Use Interns and will assist the City in updating its land use inventory database. The land use inventory identifies activities taking place on individual parcels and includes general information about buildings and structures. The inventory provides the basis for socio-economic analysis, helps describe conditions and trends to provide a factual basis for future policy proposals, and can be used to determine the availability of land for future development.

As Tree Inventory Interns, Zachary Gustafson and Nicole Smith will prepare an inventory of trees within the City. The information will be used to identify the distribution of trees species within the City, overall tree condition, and environmental benefits to the community resulting from the urban forest. The data will also be used to establish a baseline to set priorities for the City’s community forestry program and support the City’s Tree City USA Growth Award application for calendar year 2010.

Merle Roberts and Ryan Lynch have accepted positions as Wetland Inventory interns and will assist the Community Development department in updating the City’s 1993 Local Wetland Inventory. The updated information will be used to improve the City’s buildable land inventory and help with efforts to update the City’s long-range comprehensive land use plan.

Several of the interns are current students at Portland State University, Portland Community College, or Pacific University, studying fields such as geography, GIS (geographic information systems), and environmental studies. Two recently received Bachelor’s of Science degrees in geography from Portland State University. In return for their service, the interns will gain marketable job experience and mentoring in city planning, project management, and diverse community development work. The City values the knowledge and talents of these interns and appreciates the commitment and “extra hands” they are providing.

The Community Development intern program is managed in concert with the City’s Volunteer Program, which has been established to promote civic engagement and service and learning opportunities for the benefit of the community. Additional volunteer opportunities will be discussed at the City’s Annual Town Meeting, held Saturday, January 29, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Community Auditorium.

Questions regarding the City’s Volunteer Program should be directed to Kari Middleton, Volunteer Coordinator, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 503.992.3202.