US judge halts tree cutting at Washington golf course for a day
A federal judge ordered a one-day halt to any more tree removal at East Potomac Golf Links.
A federal judge ordered a one-day halt to more tree removal at East Potomac Golf Links. The government acknowledged on Monday that more than 400 trees were removed in one go.
The trees were cut down over the holiday weekend. The judge had told officials to notify the court before making sudden changes to the course.
The Justice Department filed documents showing the administration intended to remove 529 trees as part of a larger restoration. Judge Ana Reyes said: "What has happened has cost the government all of its credibility with me in this case."
She ordered officials to testify on the spot and demanded to know who approved clearing the trees.
- More than 400 over the holiday weekend
- Trees removed
- 529
- Trees planned for removal
- US District Court in Washington
- Court
- Ana Reyes
- Presiding judge
Why it mattersJudge Reyes's bigger worry is that the government may have ignored her orders to warn her before big changes.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet. The next thing to watch is whether the court rules against the redevelopment.
Corroborated bytheguardian.com
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 50 min ago
Open this story in InSnip →
