Seattle dismissed our environmental challenge. We’re appealing — on behalf of Southern Resident Killer Whales.
Photo by Candice Emmons taken under NOAA Federal Permit No. 16163.
The City Approved a Harmful Plan.
Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan failed to fully evaluate the environmental consequences of increased development, especially the removal of mature trees. Trees reduce and filter polluted runoff that affects human health, salmon, and the critically endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales. The city’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) didn’t meaningfully address these impacts. Instead of correcting these oversights, the city dismissed public concerns — including ours.
We Filed a Legal Appeal to Protect Healthy Habitats & Homes.
In early 2025, we filed a citywide appeal of the Comprehensive Plan Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), asking Seattle to study how increased tree loss and stormwater runoff would affect our ecosystems. Our appeal was grounded in science, public health, and NOAA’s SRKW Recovery Plan. We had legal standing, expert witnesses, and community support — but the city shut the door on due process.
The City Tried to Block Our Challenge.
On April 11, 2025, the Hearing Examiner dismissed our appeal, despite clear standing and urgent environmental concerns. This sets a dangerous precedent: that the public can be denied a fair hearing on major environmental decisions. We're challenging that dismissal to restore the public’s right to defend health, wildlife, and climate resilience in city planning.
We’re Taking It to the Courts — and We Need Your Help.
On April 28, 2025, we filed a Writ to appeal the dismissal. If granted, we’ll continue our original case — pushing the city to improve the plan and reduce harm to orcas, salmon, trees, and neighborhoods. Donations help cover legal costs and expert testimony. Any funds left over will support orca and tree protection nonprofits.
Petition
Sign our change.org petition
Help us demonstrate that Seattleites care deeply about protecting orcas, salmon, trees, and clean water. Your signature sends a clear message: the public deserves a voice in environmental decisions that impact everyone.
Legal Fund
Help us afford expert witnesses
Your donation supports legal fees, expert witnesses, and the fight to restore our right to challenge harmful city planning. Every contribution helps ensure this case gets the hearing it deserves. Any unused funds will be donated to trusted orca and tree protection nonprofits.
Join Us This June:
Healthy
Habitats &
Homes
June 6, 2025
7–9 p.m.
A Talk on Orcas, Trees & People
7400 Woodlawn Ave NE, Seattle
Join us as we speak with experts on Orcas, policy, and urban growth about how cities and orcas can coexist.
Stay Up-To Date
Find the updates on how you can support our appeal on Instagram.
