Washington, D.C. — A federal judge has ordered an immediate stop to all tree removal at East Potomac Golf Course after the National Park Service cleared hundreds of trees at the historic public course over the holiday weekend.
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes ordered the government to stop cutting trees until Tuesday or until the court issues another order. Even tree removal for routine maintenance is covered by the temporary halt. Reyes later extended the restraining order, barring any further activity at the course until at least Tuesday afternoon.
A Justice Department attorney told the court in Monday’s hearing that 430 trees were cleared over the weekend. The government gave plaintiffs notice at 4:55 p.m. last Friday that cutting would happen over the Columbus Day weekend, and the park service began cutting on Saturday. The D.C. Preservation League, which has sued over plans to remake the course into one that could host professional tournaments, sought a temporary restraining order on Sunday.
The park service had previously said more than 500 trees that do not contribute to the course’s historic landscape would be removed. The Interior Department says the work is meant to restore the course’s historic character and reopen views of nearby landmarks.
The hearing resumes at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. Reyes said she wants answers from Greg Wischer, an Interior Department political appointee, on who ordered the cutting. The National Links Trust, which runs the course, says it will keep operating the facility until told otherwise.