Environmental groups are divided over the merits of the unusual deal.
The Potomac Conservancy and the C&O Canal Association said they concur with the Park Service that it will improve the land in the long term.
Montgomery County officials say Daniel Snyder might have broken county law by cutting down more than 130 trees.
(John Mcdonnell -- The Washington Post)
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"The easement he currently has on his property is so old and outdated that it doesn't provide any meaningful protection," said Matthew Logan, Potomac Conservancy president. "By negotiating with Snyder, they were able to get this site not only restored, but also a tighter, more restrictive easement. So while there is some short-term visual damage, the long-term benefits in our thinking outweighs that."
Others say that the government has established a dangerous precedent by allowing Snyder to, in essence, buy himself a better view of the river.
"I know the Park Service is having a struggle, but I didn't realize this is a method they would ever employ to help add to their revenues," said Neil Fitzpatrick, executive director of Audubon Naturalist Society.
"Are they selling views, I think that is the question," said Ginny Barnes, environmental chairman of the West Montgomery County Citizens Association. "By letting one person negotiate some bizarre arrangement, does that then become the model for everybody else? I certainly hope not."
Michael Sitrick, a spokesman for Snyder, said he has no interest in a better view. In an e-mailed statement, Sitrick said Snyder wanted to help the Park Service get rid of nonnative or invasive plants and trees
"It was part of a reforestation project requested by the National Park Service," Sitrick said.
Meanwhile, Montgomery County officials are investigating whether Snyder violated local conservation laws by removing the trees without the approval of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.
According to documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, the Park Service and the county told Snyder as far back as 2001 that such approval was needed. County officials said he went ahead with the cutting after receiving only federal clearance.
County officials said Snyder was unlikely to have received permission. The county's forest conservation law requires a permit before a landowner can remove more than 5,000 square feet of trees.
Callum Murray, a county planner, wrote to Snyder in 2002: "In this location, clearing would not be permitted as part of a forest conservation management plan if it would remove any vegetation currently providing erosion protection for the steep slopes along the river or would negatively affect the scenic vistas from the river."
Snyder was fined $1,000 by the commission in December and is subject to additional penalties pending an investigation. He has hired former Prince George's county executive Wayne K. Curry to represent him.
"Anytime there is a violation of the forest conservation law, we consider it a serious issue," said Charles R. Loehr, director of the Montgomery County Department of Park and Planning.
