When neighbors learned that the forest of giant native firs on their block was sold to Legacy Group Capital, they jumped into action and began checking the SDCI portal weekly to keep track of the project. Unbeknownst to them, SDCI quietly approved a second address — on another street — where the "real" tree removal notices were filed, while notices for the original address languished unapproved. 

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To further hide how many large trees are being cut for private profits, SDCI has even given developers a special drop-down menu of small unclassified tree categories, so the large size of trees being cut doesn't show up in the city's removal notice data. 

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The Pinehurst Big Fir Forest has long been home to merlins and Cooper's hawks, who use the tall trees for nesting and hunting. Two years ago birders from around the region descended on this grove to observe a nesting merlin couple, who successfully fledged their babies. Merlins rely on mature conifers, particularly Douglas firs, to nest. This year Cooper hawks have been observed flying through the grove and perching on neighbors' fences. 

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It would be easy to build the same size and number of homes on this 7500 square foot corner lot, which is almost big enough to split. But Seattle’s tree policies are designed to maximize quick profits for private developers over long-term community health, so every tree on the property will be removed.

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The clearcut is planned for July 23, and will include four Doug firs with an average diameter of almost three feet. Please join us on Monday July 21 at 7 pm in front of 11309 Goodwin Way NE. We'll honor this grove and distribute flyers to raise public awareness about Seattle's failed tree policies.