Man chops down 22 protected trees to improve his view
Digital Reporter
Thursday, May 7, 2015, 12:54 PM - A Pennsylvania man has been charged with 22 felony counts of agricultural vandalism and 22 misdemeanor counts of agricultural trespassing after chopping down 22 mature trees to improve the view from his deck.
The trees were valued at more than $261,211 and situated on preserved space owned by the Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy and Solebury Township housing development.
"I guess the trees were interfering with his view," Solebury Township detective Roy Ferrari said. "The trees or species by girth range anywhere from $5,000-$45,000 for a given tree," Ferrari added.
In order to get to the trees on the large property, he had to pass hundreds of "no trespassing" signs, many of which were attached to the trees he cut down.
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The man admitted to chopping down the trees after buying the $1.7 million US property last May, the damage was discovered after a routine inspection of the mountain top home.
He says he regrets his decision, but vows to make amends for the deeds.
The man turned himself into police Monday and is now free on $50,000 unsecured bail as he awaits a preliminary hearing.
