Federal judge ‘furious’ over lack of notice of tree cutting at East Potomac Golf Links

Key Points:

• A federal judge ordered a halt to all tree cutting at East Potomac Golf Course after the National Park Service (NPS) removed 430 trees without proper notice, demanding the superintendent testify under oath about the decision-making process.
• Judge Ana Reyes criticized the NPS for providing only 12 hours' notice to the court and plaintiffs, expressing frustration over the government's failure to honor promises and the lack of transparency in the tree removal.
• Superintendent Kevin Griess testified that the tree removals were based on a 2019 Cultural Landscape Report aimed at restoring the golf course to its 1920s condition, with a management plan approved just days before the cutting began.
• The tree removal is part of a broader effort under the Trump administration to redevelop the golf course into a world-class venue, with contracts awarded for environmental and historic preservation compliance and plans for significant construction work.
• The judge also ordered testimony from the National Park Service Deputy Director for Operations, and the situation remains under close judicial scrutiny as legal challenges continue.