The Barnstable Patriot Cape Cod Gateway Airport (HYA), formerly Barnstable Municipal Airport, today announced its commitment to reseeding vegetation adjacent to its runways in mid-May. The airport drew public criticism a year ago for removing trees and brush-hogging seven acres of land bordering its runways along Independence Drive and Yarmouth Road. “Safety is always our top priority at the airport, and managing vegetation is an important part of that priority,” Airport Manager Katie Servis said in an Earth Day press release. “Our goal is to restore native Cape Cod vegetation with a low-growth variety that will be compatible with protecting the approach airspace" while balancing aesthetics.