1. United States
2. Nev.
3. Letter

We, the undersigned, demand an immediate halt to redevelopment plans for the East Potomac Golf Links that threaten Washington D.C.’s oldest grove of Japanese cherry trees, beloved riverside bike paths, and community picnic areas. Proposed designs for a new championship golf course reveal an expansion that cuts directly into 50 acres of public parkland. Most alarming, the layout places Washington’s historic 1910 cherry tree grove—a vital symbol of international friendship—directly inside a proposed practice range, leaving these irreplaceable trees in grave danger. Public parks belong to the community, not to exclusive private development or vanity sports projects. We oppose this expansion for three critical reasons: Irreplaceable History: These trees are rare survivors of Japan's original 1910 gift to the United States. Once destroyed, this living heritage is gone forever. Public Access Violation: Converting public green space into an exclusive golf course violates the 1897 Act establishing East Potomac Park for public recreation and community access. Environmental Risks: The redevelopment has already raised concerns regarding toxic metal contamination in soil fill. Clear-cutting a century-old grove will further degrade the local urban canopy.