Sunset Beach tree board sets 2026 priorities, schedules Arbor Day for March 20

The Town of Sunset Beach Tree Board on Jan. 21 set education, a town tree inventory and Arbor Day activities as its top priorities for 2026 and tentatively scheduled an Arbor Day celebration for March 20 at 11 a.m.

The board’s chair opened the meeting by listing a draft agenda that members amended to add an Arbor Day discussion and a landscaping plan for Majestic Oaks Park. A committee member who took part in the ranking exercise said the group narrowed its priorities by scoring objectives in October and that education ‘‘should be one of our objectives’’ going forward. The board agreed to focus on workshops, hands-on demonstrations and outreach at events such as GreenWave to teach residents about proper planting and pruning.

Board members emphasized that a municipal tree inventory is essential before more protective or management steps. One committee member said the inventory would cover town-owned trees only and suggested partnering with State Urban and Community Forestry; the same member said Justin Bennett from the state had discussed potential matching grants and would provide webinar materials and guidance.

Members discussed where to hold this year’s planting. Majestic Oaks Park was described as not yet ready for plantings; the board agreed to explore the fire department site as an alternative location and to involve public works to handle digging and placement. A committee member noted the Town will receive a Tree City USA flag and certificate as part of the recognition and discussed pursuing the Tree City USA Growth Award if the board completes several items such as the inventory this year.

The meeting included repeated concerns about private property owners removing large, heritage live oaks. The chair acknowledged the emotional reaction but said local authority is limited for private lots; a committee member responded that large-scale development within town limits is subject to ordinances and that the board could raise ideas with the planning board or town council.

Next steps assigned at the meeting included a follow-up meeting between two board members and Amy (identified in the transcript by first name) to finalize Arbor Day plans, outreach and logistics, and a plan to gather available town property maps and webinar resources to scope the inventory. The meeting ended with approval of minutes and adjournment.

The board did not take any new regulatory action at the meeting; members focused on planning, outreach, coordinating with state forestry staff and preparing materials to present to town officials for future decisions.