UPDATE: On September 15, the DC Council approved the redevelopment of the RFK campus. Unfortunately, despite a groundswell of support, the Heritage Tree exemption was included in the final legislation. However, that same day, the Commanders issued a letter with commitments to protect as many Heritage Trees as possible, maintain large areas of green space, and implement zero-waste measures. You can read the latest updates about the future of RFK’s trees here.
Advocates can still make their voices heard and stay updated about the trees on the RFK site by signing the petition below.
For over 60 years, the towering Heritage Trees at the RFK Stadium and campus have been a vital part of our community—providing shade, clean air, and a living connection to our city’s history. Now, these irreplaceable trees face removal under legislation that weakens longstanding protections and allows developers to cut down mature trees without fully exploring ways to preserve them.
Allowing blanket permission to remove these protected trees sets a dangerous precedent that could undermine tree protection laws citywide. If RFK becomes a model for unchecked tree removal, it threatens the future of sustainable development in DC, putting countless other green spaces and neighborhoods at risk.
We believe it is possible to build a world-class stadium while protecting these natural treasures. Other developments in DC have shown that thoughtful planning can save Heritage Trees and create welcoming public spaces.
We urge the DC Council to stand with the community by preserving these trees, upholding our tree protection laws, and promoting sustainable development that benefits both people and the environment. Protecting these trees means protecting our health, climate, and the legacy we leave for future generations.