NPS plans removal of 529 trees at D.C. golf course

The National Park Service has begun cutting trees at East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C. A Department of the Interior filing submitted Friday says up to 529 trees are slated for removal in a tree management and cultural landscape rehabilitation project. The filing says the trees do not contribute to the historic landscape. Crews worked Saturday as golfers and park users looked on. NPS says the project is separate from President Trump's June plan for a championship-level course and will restore historic character and reopen views toward the Washington Monument. CONTESTED: The D.C. Preservation League, suing to block renovations, says the administration cites a 2019 cultural landscape report and promised the court it would pursue all legally required approvals before work; it says this action violates those promises. A federal judge earlier required reasonable notice before closing the course or removing more than 10 trees. Kalli Krumpos of the Washington Area Bicyclists Association said the group is anxious about a late Friday filing and Saturday start and wants public involvement, transparency, and accountability. The association has held three protests and plans a fourth on Oct. 31. Resident John called the cutting a sad sight.