Over 1200 Trees to Be Cut Down for 8 Acres of Golf Course in Washington DC

An 8-acre golf course in Washington, DC, is set for rehabilitation. To make the course more playable, over 1200 trees will need to be taken down.

Golf Course in Dire Need of Rehabilitation

The Rock Creek Park's 18-hole golf course is in bad shape, with 4 unplayable holes, overgrown fairways, and bare turf. To restore it, the National Park Service plans to cut over 1,000 trees, clearing 8 acres, causing concern among residents and environmental groups. Vanessa Bertelli, a local resident and park volunteer, anticipated some tree removal for golf course improvements but found the proposed 1,262 trees excessive.

While she's open to discussions about enhancing the golf experience, the large-scale tree removal raises serious concerns.

Designed in 1927 by golf course architect William Flynn, this "parklands style" course features tree-lined fairways on gently sloping terrain. Encroaching vegetation and road construction altered the original design. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it's a relic from the Golden Age of golf course architecture.

A nonprofit, the National Links Trust, won a 50-year lease in 2020. Their rehabilitation plan splits the 18-hole course into two 9-hole courses, adds a driving range, and constructs new facilities to enhance playability, community appeal, and financial stability while preserving historic elements.

Awaiting Comments From the Public

The NPS released an environmental assessment of the golf course project on September 25, but it went unnoticed due to limited publicity. After public pressure, including from DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, the comment deadline was extended by 11 days to November 4. Norton, while not taking a stance on the project, supports the extension to ensure residents can review and comment on the extensive assessment.

200 In Exchange for More than 1200 Trees

In early 2022, NPS assessed five wooded tree stands on the golf course, revealing varying health conditions, from good to poor. The survey covered 2,571 trees, mainly tuliptree, American beech, oak, and maple. Approximately 49% of these trees may be removed for the project, with plans to plant around 200 new native trees after construction. Additionally, the rehabilitated course will feature 13 new acres of pollinator meadows, native grass meadows, and other naturalized areas, enhancing biodiversity.

Effect on Endangered Species

The environmental assessment raises concerns about the impact of the proposed forest loss on endangered species within Rock Creek Park. Notably, the Hay's spring amphipod, an endangered shrimp-like creature found in the Rock Creek watershed, could be adversely affected, even though it hasn't been directly located on the golf course.

The assessment suggests that the loss of forest may be partially offset by new meadows and tree plantings, which could benefit native pollinators like butterflies and bees. Nevertheless, local nonprofit Casey Trees opposes tree removal, calling for a balanced approach to minimize environmental impacts.

Rock Creek Conservancy is also reviewing the assessment, expressing concerns about the extensive tree cutting and the potential impact on the park's forests, which require restoration. They're particularly worried about the project's impact on groundwater and Hay's spring amphipod, which depends on groundwater seeps in Rock Creek Park.