New State of the Birds Report (archived May 12, 2010)
The State of the Birds: 2010 Report on Climate Change, follows a comprehensive report released a year ago showing that that nearly a third of the nation's 800 bird species are endangered, threatened or in significant decline. To view the entire report please visit http://www.stateofthebirds.org/newsroom/2010-news-release
Urban Forestry Commission Hits Ground Running: (archived March 2010)
The City of Seattle's nine member urban forestry commission started meeting in January 2010. Initial meetings were to bring commissioners up to speed, create subcommittees to tackle specific problems and establish a workplan. The Commission will provide advice to the Mayor and City Council on issues related to our urban forest and tree canopy. For more information and to find out how to attend a meeting, visit the City's web page. http://www.seattle.gov/trees/UFcommission.htm
Vote No on I-1033: (archived November 2009)
UPDATE: I-1033 was defeated by Washington voters!
Seattle Audubon views the proposed Eyman TABOR Ballot Measure, Initiative 1033 as a serious threat to Washington's environment. We recommend voting no on Initiative 1033.
Urban Tree Update: Early Victories (archived August 2009)
Recently, two controversial development proposals, Waldo Woods and Ingraham High School spurred neighbors to action to protect trees. These two projects as proposed would have led to the loss of more than 200 trees. This May major victories were achieved by both groups. First, the Ingraham Forest was determined to be a rare plant habitat. Seattle Hearing Examiner, Anne Watanabe sent the decision for approval back to Seattle DPD for reconsideration and hopefully protection of the tree grove with a new development plan. Secondly, a victory for the Waldo Woods group was achieved when King County Superior Court Judge Timothy A. Bradshaw ruled that Seattle needed to ensure demolition impacts would not adversely affect the surrounding neighborhood. It was also learned in May that the Waldo property was once again for sale, giving the neighborhood a second chance at finding a buyer who would preserve the trees.
Waldo Woods Victory (archived April 2010)
On March 17, 2010 the Maple Leaf Community Council sent out a press release announcing the permanent protection of Waldo Woods. The City of Seattle through Ordinance 116794 has agreed to purchase a conservation easement on the grove of trees from the new property owners, the Menachem Mendal Seattle Cheder Day School. Click here for the full press release including some history of the issue.