Seems he might should look into following the recommendations of his consultants?
From the article:

"Because the property has numerous swales and wetlands, Duarte hired a consulting firm to map out areas on the property that were not to be plowed because they were part of the drainage for Coyote and Oat creeks and were considered “waters of the United States.”

Francois conceded that some of the wetlands were plowed, but they were not significantly damaged. He said the ground was plowed to a depth of 4 inches to 7 inches."

(my highlighting)

Now, if a person hires "experts" to explain where to plow and where not to plow, then, according to an admission by an attorney, goes ahead and plows anyway............ and then ends up in court....................................

well, maybe that person needs to reconsider his actions?

Just sayin'

Geno

PS Perhaps he wasted his $$$$ on the consultants if he wasn't going to use their determinations anyway? confused

PPS What part of "were not to be plowed" did he not understand? wink (ref: "Shall not be infringed" )

The desert is a true treasure for him who seeks refuge from men and the evil of men.
In it is contentment
In it is death and all you seek
(Quoted from "The Bleeding of the Stone" Ibrahim Al-Koni)

member of the cabal of dysfunctional squirrels?