Judge extends East Potomac tree-cutting ban through Oct. 26

U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes on Oct. 13 extended a pause on tree-cutting at East Potomac Golf Links, barring the government from removing more trees through Oct. 26. The order followed a 24-hour pause imposed after an Oct. 12 hearing.

During that period, the government must give the court and plaintiffs three business days’ written notice before making an irreparable modification to a permanent form or feature of the course. The temporary order does not resolve the lawsuit’s challenge to the administration’s proposed overhaul.

The D.C. Preservation League and two local golfers contend the administration is splitting a broader redevelopment into smaller projects to avoid environmental and historic-preservation review. The government says the tree-cutting is separate from President Donald Trump’s proposed transformation of the course into a championship-level facility. Published accounts also differ on how many trees had already been removed: a Justice Department lawyer said 430, while the plaintiffs said 529.

A hearing was scheduled for Oct. 19. National Park Service acting director Jessica Bowron and Interior Department deputy chief of staff Gregory Wischer were ordered to appear and address the tree-removal plan and its execution.