Authorities in have ordered a Nigerian medical doctor, , and his wife, , to pay almost $1 million for cutting down dozens of protected trees around their property.
The decision was reached after the Oakland City Council voted to impose a fine of $915,135.40 on the couple for removing 38 legally protected trees near their home on Claremont Avenue.
According to reports by California-based outlet KQED, more than 20 residents attended a public hearing on Tuesday, calling on authorities to strictly enforce the city’s tree protection laws.
Residents argued that the trees played a vital role in wildfire prevention, environmental protection and public health in the area.
Speaking during the hearing, Bernard said the trees removed nearly four years ago were either dead, dying, leaning dangerously or considered hazardous based on an arborist’s assessment.
City officials, however, disagreed with the explanation and maintained that the trees were protected under local regulations.
In addition to the financial penalty, authorities also placed a claim on the property, preventing the couple from selling or developing it until the fine is fully paid.
Defending the council’s decision, community tree specialist said the environmental loss could not easily be reversed.
“Trees of that size are not commercially available for replacement. Even with replanting, it will take decades, even centuries, to restore the ecological and protective functions that were lost,” Gagnez stated.
