Federal Judge Halts Tree Removal at East Potomac Golf Links
On Tuesday, a federal judge intervened to stop the Trump administration from further tree removal activities at East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C. This decision follows the felling of hundreds of trees at the historic course over the previous weekend.
In a brief order, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes prohibited the Department of the Interior and National Park Service from cutting additional trees at East Potomac until October 26. Judge Reyes required the Trump administration to notify the court and plaintiffs, the D.C. Preservation League and two local golfers, three business days before making any irreversible changes to any permanent features of the course.
The judge emphasized that the plaintiffs need protection against potential harm. The plaintiffs are challenging President Trump’s planned renovations at East Potomac. Judge Reyes issued the order after a rigorous four-hour hearing with the Justice Department, prompted by news that the National Park Service intended to remove approximately 529 trees as part of a project aimed at managing trees and rehabilitating the site’s cultural landscape.
During the hearing, the D.C. Preservation League reported in a Sunday filing that crews had removed all 529 trees on Saturday, including healthy and mature oaks and maples, and had plans to cut down hundreds more. However, weather conditions delayed further action.
Marissa Piropato, a Justice Department lawyer, informed Judge Reyes that 430 trees had been cut down and identified an additional 99 for removal.
Judge Reyes has consistently reminded the government to notify plaintiffs and the court about any planned construction activities at East Potomac, ensuring she could review and potentially intervene. Yet, the Justice Department submitted information regarding the planned tree removal late on Friday afternoon.
You did not do your best. You did your absolute worst.
Reyes criticized Piropato for failing to provide timely notification to the court and plaintiffs. She asserted that those involved had lost their credibility.
Judge Reyes demanded testimony from Kevin Griess, superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, and Frank Lands, deputy director of operations for the National Park Service, elucidating the events leading to Saturday’s tree removal and identifying those responsible for initiating the process.
She has scheduled another hearing for October 19, mandating the presence of Jessica Bowron, acting director of the National Park Service, and Gregory Wischer, deputy chief of staff at the Interior Department.