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Sunset Beach tree board weighs townwide inventory, eyes Forest Service grant
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Summary
At its Feb. 18 meeting the Town of Sunset Beach Tree Board reviewed a proposed tree inventory, discussed which trees the town is responsible for, and considered pursuing a Forest Service grant that requires consultant proposals; members agreed to form a small working group and pursue further discussion with the Forest Service.
The Town of Sunset Beach Tree Board on Feb. 18 debated steps toward a comprehensive tree inventory and whether to pursue a Forest Service grant to support the work.
Susan, a Tree Board member, reported meeting with state forestry staff "with Matt Sarles and Vicky Todd" and said state-maintained roads complicate the scope of an inventory: "they don't maintain any of those," she said of some state roads that run through town, raising the question of which trees the town would count. The board identified town-maintained areas — including Town Park, Majestic Oak Park and the gazebo parking lot — as likely first priorities for inventory work.
Chair (presiding) said the Forest Service offers a multi-practice grant (described to the board as the "Climb to managing community projects" program) but warned the application timeline is tight: "the application period closes on March 1," the chair said, adding that the grant requires consultant proposals and a project team with specified deliverables.
Members discussed practical steps: forming small working subcommittees to prepare a scope, mapping which roads and parcels the town maintains, seeking a Forest Service training visit, and coordinating with homeowners associations (HOAs) to collect data on privately managed trees. Board members noted drone imagery could help with canopy assessment but cautioned the town's current drone capability is limited and that contracting private firms or hobbyists would likely be necessary.
The board did not commit to applying for the current grant cycle, with members saying the March 1 deadline and the requirements for consultant proposals make the 2026 application unlikely. Several members recommended using the grant framework for longer-term planning and preparing a proposal for the next funding cycle. Next steps include forming a working group to refine a scope, follow up with the Forest Service about available technical assistance and training, and prepare a recommendation for the town council if funding opportunities are viable.
The board will revisit the inventory plan and any grant pursuit at a future meeting after these follow-ups.
