Portland

, moderating

today issued an open letter to the protesters camping in two downtown squares.

"[I]t is my responsibility to express my growing concern with the impact your occupation is having on Chapman and Lownsdale Squares,"

. "These historic parks in the heart of the city serve

all

Portlanders."

Fish also released a

from the Parks Bureau that says it would take at least $19,000 to repair the current damage to the two squares. "Every day of occupation increases the possibility of damage," Fish wrote.

Occupy Portland

As previously noted, Fish faces

when it comes to the encampment, even though Mayor Sam Adams is ultimately responsible for deciding what happens there. The

in the upcoming budget cycle. Among other concerns, Fish has to weigh the financial burden of the movement, however small it may be compared with the bureau's overall budget.

Lt. Robert King, a spokesman for the Police Bureau, was walking the perimeter of the camp this morning with a cup of coffee. He said the city was still taking it day by day at the camp,

.

Fish, meantime, is calling on the protesters to co-operate with Parks Bureau employees who want to assess possible damage to trees and root systems.

"We share a collective responsibility to be good stewards of our public lands," Fish wrote. "Lownsdale and Chapman Squares are public assets that deserve to be treated with respect and care. In this spirit, I request that Occupy Portland take immediate steps to work with Parks & Recreation professionals to make changes that will minimize the damage to the parks."

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