Seattle Seeks $1.6M Over Illegal Cutting of 150 Trees

SEATTLE (AP) — The city of Seattle has filed two lawsuits seeking $1.6 million in fines and damages against homeowners it alleges were involved in cutting down 150 trees on city property.

The lawsuits filed in King County Superior Court on Tuesday allege timber trespass, damage to land, negligence, environmental violations and other offenses. The city is accusing the homeowners of having the trees cut down earlier this year to improve views from their homes along different sections of a public greenbelt.

No permits had been issued authorizing the cutting of the trees, which included big-leaf maples and Scouler's willows.

Seattle Attorney Pete Holmes says a police investigation into the downed trees is ongoing and that those involved could face criminal charges.