Oakland authorities penalise couple for cutting 38 protected trees, place lien on property amid environmental concerns.

A Nigerian medical doctor, Matthew Bernard, and his wife, Lynn Warner, have been hit with a staggering fine of nearly $1 million by the Oakland City Council in California, United States, for cutting down 38 protected trees around their property.

The penalty, which totals $915,135.40, follows mounting pressure from residents who demanded strict enforcement of the city’s environmental protection laws during a public hearing.

Over 20 community members voiced concerns, stressing that the trees played a vital role in wildfire prevention, public health, and environmental balance in the area.

Bernard, however, defended the decision, explaining that the trees—removed nearly four years ago—were identified by an arborist as dead, dying, leaning, or hazardous.

City officials rejected that justification, maintaining that the trees were protected and their removal violated local regulations. As part of the sanctions, authorities also placed a lien on the couple’s property, effectively blocking any plans to sell or develop it until the fine is fully paid.

Backing the decision, community tree specialist Erys Gagnez emphasised the long-term impact of the loss, noting that trees of such size cannot simply be replaced.

“Even with replanting, it could take decades or even centuries to restore the ecological and protective benefits that were lost,” Gagnez said, adding that the magnitude of the fine reflects the severity of the damage.

The case has sparked debate over environmental accountability and property rights, particularly within diaspora communities.