Brief
National Park Service begins removal of 500 trees at East Potomac Golf Links
More than 500 trees are slated for removal as the Trump administration moves forward with a plan to turn the historic course into a championship‑level venue.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The National Park Service announced on Friday that it has begun a new round of tree‑cutting at the historic East Potomac Golf Links, a course adjacent to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The work is part of a Trump administration plan to redesign the course into a championship‑level venue.
What happened
According to a court filing, the agency will remove "more than 500 trees that do not contribute to the historic landscape". The first phase will see 169 trees taken down starting Saturday, with a second batch of 90 trees scheduled for later removal. The agency said the cuts target trees that are not "healthy" or "contributing features of the historical golf course", including historic cherry trees.
What the reports add
The Independent noted that the Interior Department described the effort as the implementation of a seven‑year‑old plan to address tree overgrowth. The department said the selective removal is intended to restore the course’s historic character and improve views toward landmarks such as the Washington Monument and the Potomac River.
What was said
The Interior Department statement read: "The National Park Service is finally implementing a 7‑year‑old plan to address tree overgrowth at East Potomac Golf Course." It added that the work is part of "required stewardship of the park" and will help "restore the course’s historic character and reopen views toward landmarks".
How it came about
President Donald Trump has promoted the redesign as part of a broader vision for Washington, D.C., which includes converting the historic course into a world‑class golf venue. Critics warn the changes could raise fees and reduce public access to a space that has served Washingtonians of all income levels for more than a century.
Key facts
- The National Park Service will remove more than 500 trees at East Potomac Golf Links. (independent.co.uk)
- 169 trees are scheduled for removal starting Saturday, with 90 more later. (independent.co.uk)
- The tree removal is part of a Trump‑backed plan to redesign the course into a championship‑level venue. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Park service could remove 500 trees at historic golf course Trump wants to redesign”
