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1. What is the College Park Airport Safety Project?

The College Park Airport is owned and operated by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. Per Maryland regulations, trees in designated areas near the College Park Airport must be trimmed every four to eight years. The College Park Airport Safety Project is an effort led by M-NCPPC to ensure those requirements are met.

2. Why do trees have to be reduced in height?

The State of Maryland and the Federal Aviation Administration established minimum obstruction requirements that help protect the well-being of the public, both in aircrafts and on the ground. For more information, visit faa.gov.

3. Why do you have to continuously reduce the height of trees?

As trees grow, they encroach on the navigable approach and departure airspace. As outlined in the FAA regulations and COMAR, we are required to ensure there is no obstructions or penetrations into this safely guarded airspace. Moving forward, M-NCPPC is committed to monitoring tree growth yearly in order to mitigate the long-term impact on the trees, surrounding environment, and protected airspace.  

4. Is the intent of M-NCPPC to allow for larger aircrafts to use the College Park Airport?

No, the operations of the airport will not be impacted. The actual surface length of the runway has not changed. M-NCPPC continues to ensure safe operations at the airport.  

5. What are Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPIs)? Did installing them result in more acreage of trees to be trimmed and/or removed?

Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPIs) are a visual aid on the airport runway that helps guide pilots when landing aircrafts. No additional tree trimming or removal is necessary when installing PAPIs.

6. When will trimming have to occur again?

M-NCPPC will monitor tree growth yearly in order to mitigate the long-term impact on the trees, surrounding environment, and protected airspace.  

7. How will M-NCPPC keep the public informed of future tree trimmings around the airport?

M-NCPPC will continue to work closely with the City of College Park and the Town of Riverdale Park, host community meetings as needed, and share information via social media and the College Park Airport website in order to keep the community up to date on this effort. 

8. How can residents submit questions and/or feedback about this project?

Residents can submit questions to PublicAffairs@pgparks.com.