Officials and residents are raising concerns that protesters camping in McPherson Square is not only illegal, but damaging the Square.

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"They spent all summer resodding and making this park beautiful," said Kelly Fiedorek, a D.C. resident. "They spent taxpayer dollars and now its ruined."

California Congressman Darrell Issa recently wrote Interior Secretary Ken Salazar a letter claiming the Occupiers have destroyed the park, wasting a $400,000 taxpayer funded improvement project.

Occupy protester Will Martin countered saying, "I really can't believe they are talking about a waste of taxpayer money when they are doing a really good job of that themselves."

Protesters say they are very aware of Rep. Issa's efforts to "shut them down."

Issa cited a federal law he claims prohibits camping in the square. But protesters say they have permits and a right to be there.

"Public assembly is something this country was founded on," said Peetro, an Occupy D.C. protester.

Michael Wilson, a District resident, works near the square and welcomes the protesters.

"Darrell Issa, the thing he really doesn't like is the message they have about corporate greed," Wilson said.

A spokesperson for Interior Secretary Salazar issued the statement: "The National Park Service is committed to upholding America's First Amendment rights while enforcing our nation's laws."