June 12, 2017. Members of the Duwamish, Snohomish and Saanich tribes joined Bellevue residents to protest Puget Sound Energy’s proposed construction of a transmission line that will result in the removal of 300 trees from 148th Avenue. The rally was held in front of PSE headquarters on 4th Street in downtown Bellevue during the evening rush hour.

Saanich tribe member Paul Cheoketen Wagner led the rally, which was a combination of prayer, inspirational speeches, drumming, and singing. CENSE president Don Marsh explained that a much better solution exists, which is currently working in downtown Bellevue. CENSE’s recommended solution preserves trees, improves electrical reliability, and costs less.

After the rally, the group attended a city council meeting where several people spoke to the the council expressing their concerns and why the project should be stopped.

The Bellevue Reporter covered the event and published this article:

• Bellevue community rallies to preserve 300 trees at PSE headquarters

You can help in this effort by signing our petition:

• Save 300 trees in East Bellevue