Most trees deemed in "poor condition" are struggling due to invasive vines. While these vines and invasive shrubs do reduce sunlight and airflow to fairways, their removal requires careful, targeted methods that protect wildlife habitat and preserve healthy vegetation. Heavy equipment and clear-cutting approaches cause unnecessary damage to the ecosystem. Before any trees are removed, invasive plants should be carefully eliminated using best ecological practices, allowing for proper reassessment of each tree's health while preserving the complex habitat that local wildlife depends on.

The communities most affected by the current plan (youth, current golfers, neighboring Justice 40 communities, and local oganizations with deep expertise on trees and wildlife) were not included in the visioning or planning. Over 90% of the 3,212 who commented on the plan oppose it. Meaningful community engagement is critical given that the goal of the plan is to “broaden course appeal to the local community.”

The plan currently foresees the removal of between 57 and 119 trees with a circumference of 100” or greater. These trees are protected under DC and federal law. They should not be cut down.

The overall number of trees to be removed should be limited to the 178 invasive trees and the handful of trees that might need to be removed to rebuild the clubhouse.

If a golf driving range is absolutely necessary to support revenues, it should be right-sized (the plan currently foresees a 50-bay driving range which is inappropriate for a non metro-accessible site) and it should go dark at sunset like Beach Drive and the Nature Center. Trees and wildlife need the darkness to metabolize, feed, migrate, reproduce and rest.

National Links Trust is a new organization with lofty fundraising goals, embarking on their first major project. We ask that a bond be required to ensure that the planned tree replacement and maintenance, invasive species management, and meadow restoration and management actually happen.