U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Inspector General Investigative Report on Allegations that the National Park Service Improperly Allowed Daniel Snyder to Cut Trees on Government Land

摘要

Our investigation determined that NPS failed to follow any of its established policies and procedures outlined in the NPS Director's Handbook, and even disregarded the recommendations of their own Horticulture Advisory and Review Committee, regarding the process in which a property owner on a NPS scenic easement can cut vegetation above the allowable limit. Specifically, NPS National Capital Region officials, and the C&O NHP employees failed to initiate the requisite Environmental assessment as required by NPS Guidance, when instituting changes to an easement agreement. In addition, NPS did not complete the required paperwork detailing the reasons for granting Mr. Snyder exclusions to a Special Use Permit, which allowed him to cut vegetation beyond the allowable limit.