Admin calls tree removal routine, groups contest loss
Question asked:
“The administration has described the recent tree removal as routine maintenance, while preservation groups have raised concerns about the loss of historic trees and are challenging the larger redevelopment project in court.”
Summary
The Trump administration has framed the recent removal of dozens of trees at East Potomac Golf Links as routine or necessary maintenance. Preservation groups have objected, citing the loss of historic trees, and have brought a legal challenge against the larger redevelopment project, with courts allowing limited maintenance but warning against a fait accompli.
Sources 55 searched
- Trump rollback of US forest protections could accelerate extinction of 400 endangered species | US news | The Guardian
The Trump administration’s decision to rescind the “roadless rule” is the latest in a series of environmental rollbacks. Since retaking office last January, Trump has allowed off-road vehicles on public lands and national parks, scrapped drilling-free buffer zones near a world heritage site in New Mexico and ordered tree cutting across 280m acres of national forests and public lands – all while overhauling the US Forest Service, which manages 193m acres across the country.
- Trump official faces inquiry over claims he diverted wildfire resources to his own property | Trump administration | The Guardian
Six current and former forest service officials described the response to the fire to the Post as greater than would typically be expected for a fire of that size, which posed no significant threat to life or property.
- East Potomac golf tree removal begins ahead of Trump project - The Washington Post
The president’s promised overhaul of the East Potomac course has not officially begun, but tree removal has already been taking place for weeks.
- Trump administration considering deal to give up part of Yosemite National Park - The Washington Post
The National Park Service is looking into a land exchange that would give a small portion of Yosemite to a private developer.
- Trump cuts down oldest cherry blossoms in DC for his golf course - Alternet.org
The most notable one was the famous "cherry tree near the 14th green of the Blue Course, one of East Potomac’s most picturesque holes, framed by cherry trees near the southern end of Hains Point. Nearby, two large sycamores had been removed around the fourth hole," the report added. A lawsuit in May ended with a judge saying that they could still perform "necessary maintenance but warned administration lawyers against presenting the court with a fait accompli."
- Forest Service “restructuring” is bad news for public lands - resilience
The Trump administration's "restructuring" plans for the Forest Service will torpedo federal capacity to manage national forests, close regional offices, and shutter more than half of its research labs.
- Deforestation - Wikipedia
Deforestation or forest clearance is the removal and destruction of a forest or stand of trees from land that is then converted to non-forest use. Deforestation can involve conversion of forest land to farms, ranches, or urban use. About 31% of Earth's land surface is covered by forests at present.
- Dozens of Trees Quietly Toppled in D.C. Without Court Approval Ahead of Trump’s New Golf Course Makeover: Report
Over 60 trees were removed at East Potomac Golf Links before official approval for renovations was granted, the Washington Post reported Friday, Aug. 26. Preservationists argue the plans violate a law protecting the park for public recreation ...
- A tree-sit in Arizona has stalled a segment of Trump's $50 billion border wall for a month
A month-long tree-sit in Arizona's San Rafael Valley has stalled construction on one segment of Trump's $50 billion border wall, revealing where the federal enforcement machine chooses to push and where it does not.
This fact check is free and donation-based. $1 powers ~30 fact-checks.
