Court Halts Tree Removal at East Potomac Golf Links

A federal judge has temporarily stopped the Trump administration from continuing tree removal at East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C. The halt will last until October 26, following the felling of hundreds of trees at this historic public course over the weekend.

Judge’s Order

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued a brief order stating that the Department of the Interior and National Park Service cannot cut down any more trees at East Potomac through October 26. Her order also requires the administration to give three business days’ notice before making any irreversible changes to the course. This notice must be given to the court and plaintiffs, which include the D.C. Preservation League and two local golfers.

Reyes indicated that the D.C. Preservation League and golfers could suffer harm without intervention. The plaintiffs are contesting President Trump’s proposed changes to East Potomac.

Judge’s Response to the Justice Department

The order follows a lengthy hearing in which Judge Reyes strongly criticized the Justice Department. She convened the hearing after learning that the National Park Service intended to remove 529 trees at the East Potomac golf course as part of a project described as tree management and cultural landscape rehabilitation.

“You did not do your best. You did your absolute worst,” Reyes remarked to Justice Department lawyer Marissa Piropato, conveying her dissatisfaction with how the department handled notifying the court and plaintiffs.

Reyes emphasized the need for the government to consistently give notice of impending actions at East Potomac to allow judicial review.

Details of the Tree Removal

The D.C. Preservation League informed the court that 529 trees had been cut down on Saturday. Many trees felled were “healthy, mature oaks and maples.” Stormy weather delayed further removal plans. Piropato reported 430 trees had been cut in total, with 99 more marked for removal.

Upcoming Testimonies and Hearings

Judge Reyes has demanded testimony from Kevin Griess, superintendent of National Mall and Memorial Parks, and Frank Lands, deputy director of operations for the National Park Service. Their testimonies will address who permitted the removal of the 430 trees. The judge scheduled another hearing for October 19 and ordered Jessica Bowron, acting director of the National Park Service, and Gregory Wischer, deputy chief of staff at the Interior Department, to attend.