1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

Members and board members of the South End Neighborhood Council of Tacoma, Washington - and many nearby neighbors - have observed, documented and reported disturbances of federally protected birds/nests, including bald eagles and red-tailed hawks, by Soundbuilt Homes crews. Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife came out and is making a federal report. These birds are protected by multiple federal laws. SENCO and local neighbors have also spoken to local news outlets at the site (including KOMO and KIRO) on these occurrences. These neighbors have been observing and reporting the eagles for months. While Soundbuilt Homes claims that there was no evidence of eagles, it was observed firsthand that they hired a helicopter on May 18th, 2026 to hover over and displace two adult eagles. SENCo was there on this same day and there were firsthand witnesses to tree removal at the site. Neighbors who were out watching all morning on this day also reported that the same eagles had landed back in the tree on the morning of May 19th, 2026, and these witnesses observed one adult eagle in the tree until seconds before it was cut down. Additionally on May 19th, a tree stand nearby, which was home to 3 nesting redtail hawk pairs, was observed firsthand by neighbors. These neighbors reported that they had been watching the nests and were excited to see recent hatches there. The bulldozers were cutting in the area as people were onsite with news reporters. That tree stand was the next to come down, and more nests with confirmed babies were destroyed on this same day. Soundbuilt Homes has issued a statement claiming that there was no evidence of eagles, and that all of their development processes were checked. SENCo has been asking for a new environmental impact study since it became clear several years ago that there were clear conflicts of interest between the person providing the study and the owners of Soundbuilt Homes. Additionally, many photos have been submitted by residents while upholding laws and staying on public property to document these occurrences. The city of Tacoma has stated that photos weren't close enough or clear enough to merit action, but we demand further action. SENCo holds that funded governmental agencies, when given a credible tip, who have the lawful right to access and inspect properties, should hold the ultimate responsibility to verify and document. SENCo is bound by the laws of private property. It is an impossible Catch-22 by the city to hold private citizens responsible for creating the credible body of evidence that the city needs, while also upholding that it is illegal for private citizens to get close enough to get "credible photos" of potential habitat. This is why there are city officials, offices, and oversight avenues that have the legal right to enter property and ensure that all due diligence is being met. We are continuing to call on community to hold responsible every local and state office and department, every elected official who has the responsiblity for oversight, everyone who issued a project permit. We also call on our elected officials at the federal level to communicate with local and state officials and to enforce federal laws as they are written for the benefit of all wildlife and residents. We look forward to your support on this urgent issue.