Tree board recommends linking Bradford-pear bounty information on town website, not town sponsorship

At its March 18 meeting the Town of Sunset Beach Tree Board discussed the state'run Bradford-pear bounty program and agreed the most practical step is to post information and links on the town website so homeowners can learn how to participate.

Board members described the state program: homeowners cut down qualifying Bradford pears, provide evidence to program staff at a designated event and receive replacement trees (3- to 7-gallon) from the state. The state program limits per-person replacements and typically runs regional events; board members noted the nearest events are often in western North Carolina and demand creates long backlogs.

"We shouldn't invest town funds to buy replacement trees," one member said; the group agreed that, instead, the board will provide educational materials about Bradford-pear identification and a link to the state bounty program on the town website. The board also discussed whether the town could become a sponsored site; members expressed concern about cost and program demand and concluded that sponsorship is not feasible without substantial funding and staffing.

The board tasked a volunteer to draft website copy and to consult with Kimberly (the clerk/web administrator) about adding a link and brief explanatory text for residents. Members emphasized education about why Bradford pears are considered invasive in the region and encouraged residents to pursue replacement options through the state program if they wish.

The board recorded this as an action item to finalize website language and to add a resource link prior to the next meeting.