National Park Service to Cut Over 500 Trees at Historic East Potomac Golf Course

A new phase of tree removal has started at the East Potomac Golf Links, with the National Park Service planning to cut more than 500 trees that it says do not add to the historic character of the course. The first 169 trees will be taken down on Saturday, followed by an additional 90 at a later date, according to a recent court filing. This work aligns with the Trump administration’s ambition to convert the 106-year-old public course into a world-class, championship-level facility capable of hosting major tournaments.

The Interior Department described the project as a stewardship effort to restore historic views toward landmarks such as the Washington Monument and the Potomac River. Although the course will remain accessible, individual holes may be temporarily closed during construction. The DC Preservation League and other plaintiffs have sued, arguing the redesign breaches the 1897 act that created the park and could lead to higher fees and reduced public access.