Biologist charged with destroying non-native plants

Biologist Robert van de Hoek is charged with six misdemeanours for killing non-native plants (a Ficus tree and Myoporum shrubs) in one of the largest coastal wetlands in Southern California

To prosecutors, Robert "Roy" van de Hoek is a vandal with pruning shears. To supporters of native California shrubs and trees, he's a martyr. Once again, he's in court.

"Trimming and landscaping isn't done without authorization from government agencies," said Frank Mateljan of the city attorney's office.

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