West Seattle light rail design raises scrutiny on impacts to heron colony and greenbelt

A major light rail project is moving closer to construction in West Seattle, and a colony of great blue herons is now caught in the path of the debate between Sound Transit and local environmental groups.Advocates for the birds said tree clearing and construction noise could drive the federally protected animals from their nesting grounds. Sound Transit emphasizes that no nests will be removed, but its full protection plan is still months away.The greatest concern centers on Pigeon Point, where a colony of about two dozen heron nests could be disrupted by tree removal, noise, and ground-shaking construction.Some West Seattle residents said that even if crews avoid active nests, removing mature trees and building near the colony could drive the birds away.Full story here: https://bit.ly/4eRE1HF#komo #komo4 #komonews #seattle