Hurrah for Concerned Citizens

City of Kirkland's Special Events policy changes because of citizen action. 

Local resident Lynda Becher called Eastside Audubon after the fireworks display of July 4th, 2005. The nesting eagles in her neighborhood screamed distress calls that night, and then were eerily silent for several days. She knew there were chicks in that nest.

When she contacted us, we were able to connect her with resources at the city of Kirkland and the Washington State Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. We also followed up by contacting the city to express our concern, and continued to support Lynda through the entire process of dealing with the city on this issue. Eventually, the US Fish & Wildlife Service became involved as well.

After many meetings, phone calls and emails, the city of Kirkland decided to move the annual fireworks display to a less sensitive area, and changed their special events permitting policy to unclude gathering input from Eastside Audubon before granting any permit that might have an impact on area wildlife.

The other good news is that the eagles returned to the nest and successfully fledged the three chicks that had been endangered. Happy endings all around!