Muskogee, Oklahoma - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma and the National Park Service announce the settlement of a civil lawsuit brought by the United States of America, acting on behalf of the National Park Service, against William T. Jester, a previous owner of land which is adjacent to Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

William T. Jester owned a vacant lot adjacent to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area overlooking the lake. The lawsuit alleged that Mr. Jester destroyed mature trees on government land adjacent to his property to improve his view of the lake.

The Government and Defendant have settled the case. Mr. Jester has paid $15,000.00 in damages to compensate the United States. The National Park Service reminds the public, that any modification to vegetation, or the terrain in general, on government property without a proper permit issued by the National Park Service, is a violation of the law.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert Gay Guthrie represented the United States.