Unauthorized Tree Harvesting Done On Anne Arundel County Land

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — When the Anne Arundel County Department of Inspections and Permits inspected a property at Bestgate Road where developers hope to construct an assisted living facility and 76 attached senior housing units, officials found unauthorized grading and clearing of mature woodlands. Upwards of eight trees were marked and cut down, while others were marked but still standing.

According to a report filed by inspectors, "it appears to be tree falling to make a path of some kind." The department informed South Star Limited Partnership about the incident and violation. Monticello Property Group, partially owned by The Hogan Cos., has partnered with South Star for the project. David Katz, an attorney representing Monticello, told the Capital Gazette that no work has been completed on the property, since approval for the project is pending.

“The property has a history of trespassing from ATV, dirt-bike and other recreational vehicles that have illegally utilized paths that have existed on the property prior to my client’s ownership,” he said in an email to the Capital Gazette. “Despite best efforts to deter the trespassing, it continues to be a problem.”

Inspections and Permits spokeswoman Tracie Reynolds told the Capital Gazette that "under county code, property owners are always liable for the violation, regardless of who committed it."