Climate activists try to block tree removal in Seattle

(21 Jul 2023)

FOR CLEAN VERSION SEE STORY NUMBER: 4445633

RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Seattle - 20 July 2023
1. Various of activist in tree proposed to be cut
HEADLINE: Seattle activists climb up old tree to stop cutting
ANNOTATION: Activists in Seattle have taken residence in an old cedar tree to prevent it from being cut down to make way for new homes.
ANNOTATION: The cedar has been dubbed Luma by the activists and neighbors.
2. SOUNDBITE (English) 'Droplet,' activist:
++activists did not provide name and are using a group name++
"We have to win this tree. We have to win because Luma is setting the tone for every other tree that's under threat in Seattle. The last 6000 exceptional trees."
3. Woman taking picture at base of tree
4. SOUNDBITE (English) 'Droplet,' activist:
++activists did not provide name and are using a group name++
"So I'm just dumbfounded that it seems like there's an easy solution to have the houses that they want on this lot if they would just take a small creative step."
5. Activist in the tree
ANNOTATION: The tree is estimated to be 200 years old by the climate advocates.
6. Wide tilt of construction site and tight of removal permit sign
ANNOTATION: The Snoqualmie Indian Tribe asked the removal to be halted, saying there are signs the tree was used as an indigenous trail marker generations ago.
7. Various of construction equipment
ANNOTATION: The city of Seattle said the removal permit can't be revoked. But the state's archeology department said the developer now needs to seek a permit.
8. SOUNDBITE (English) Sandy Shettler, The Last 6000:
"Our majestic trees, for the most part, are very largest native trees. And they are the most valuable in terms of keeping the community healthy and preserving our ecosystem."
9. 'Hug' Luma sign and woman hugging tree

STORYLINE:
With ropes, a harness, a hammock and a bucket pulley system, masked activists in Seattle have taken residence in the branches of an old, thick cedar tree to prevent it from being cut down to make way for new homes.

The protest on a private lot is the latest episode highlighting tensions behind tree policy in Seattle as climate change increases temperatures and urban canopy decreases.

The Western red cedar, dubbed “Luma,” is about 80 feet (24.4 meters) tall, with two trunks that are each about 4 feet (1.2 meters) in diameter.

Its age is not known, but activists have estimated it could be as much as 200 years old. The Snoqualmie Indian Tribe is seeking to have the tree preserved for its archaeological significance, saying that Native Americans shaped its branches generations ago to distinguish it as a trail marker.

The protesters have declined to give their names, citing concerns about retaliation.

“We have to win this tree. We have to win because Luma is setting the tone for every other tree that’s under threat in Seattle,” one said from the tree. “We have to show that we mean business.”

The occupation began July 14, with each activist taking shifts of several days in the tree.

The tree is on a development site where a single family home is being replaced with six housing units split between two parcels. After the city surveyed the site and proposal, it decided that the tree needed to be removed to accommodate the new housing.

The initial plans neighbors are citing were proposed before a full survey was done and were not accurate to show the expanse of the tree's roots, said Bryan Stevens, a spokesman for the Department of Construction and Inspections.

Stevens said the city can't revoke the removal permit.

[jamesgichuru]

I can’t stand the green scare and activist clowns… that said, I fully support this. Build a house somewhere else. Once trees like this are cut down or the last big animals are killed, there’s no getting them back. Not without some kind of clone world dystopia.