Daniel Field officials brief preservation commission on environmental review that could trim or remove trees in Somerville

Daniel Field Airport officials told the Augusta Historic Preservation Commission that a federally required environmental assessment could lead to trimming or removal of trees that now intrude into airport flight paths over the Somerville Historic District.

“a lot of those trees being 100y old plus trees have grown into that airspace,” Amanda Hill, Mazeau planning and engineering consultant for the airport, said while describing the airspace north of the field. Hill said the project is a multi‑phase, multi‑year safety effort: field survey and appraisal work would be followed by owner negotiations and, ideally, acquisition of easements to permit long‑term mitigation. She said options range from pruning to full removal depending on tree condition and public input.

Becky Sheiley, airport manager for Daniel Field Airport, said the airport is conducting a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) assessment that includes Section 106 coordination and that the agency will seek to avoid or mitigate impacts where feasible. “Replanting is part of this process too,” Hill said, and both presenters stressed that the work would be funded by airport grants from FAA and state sources, not the City’s general fund. The presenters said they have conducted door‑to‑door outreach, hosted public meetings and Zoom sessions, and plan additional neighborhood meetings before any approval or construction.

Commissioners pressed staff on the procedural steps and whether the Section 106 historic‑resources review is separate; Hill replied that Section 106 is included within the environmental review. Officials said they would return to the commission next year with parcel‑level maps, the list of contributing trees, and specific proposals for sites in Somerville where mitigation may be proposed.