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Tree inventory and canopy assessment on the agenda after Oak Island site visit; board to pursue consultant briefings and grant opportunities
Summary
The Treeboard reviewed lessons from Oak Island’s 20-year approach to canopy assessment and a partial heritage-tree inventory, discussed grants (SFI, Apache, Legacy Tree Fund) and agreed to seek consultant briefings and draft a business case for a canopy assessment and tree inventory. The board emphasized grants and partner collaboration.
Treeboard members reported on a recent visit to Oak Island and recommended pursuing a staged approach to a Sunset Beach tree inventory and canopy assessment.
Susan and another board member described Oak Island’s process: a canopy assessment completed in 2023, a partial inventory focused on heritage trees (about 400 trees in parks, using a 15-inch DBH threshold for heritage designation), mapping by species and health, and use of LiDAR/spectral imagery and grant funding (including U.S. Forest Service support). Oak Island also established a nonprofit partner (Tree Piece) to support funding and programming.
Board members discussed options for Sunset Beach: (1) commissioning a canopy assessment (cost and grant-match considerations), (2) a partial or phased tree inventory that could start with parks/heritage trees, and (3) inviting two or three consultants recommended by the Forest Service to present briefings at future meetings to explain methodology and budget. Justin Bennett (North Carolina Forest Service) was referenced as a key contact who recommended vendors and approaches.
Grant opportunities highlighted by members could help fund assessments or plantings: the Sustainable Forestry Initiative/NC grant (deadline Aug. 31; awards $500–$10,000), the Apache Corporation Tree Grant (tree stock and freight; deadline July 31), and the Legacy Tree Fund (annual planting grants). Members noted some grants require professional consultant involvement and/or municipal application by town staff.
Next steps: the inventory subcommittee will gather cost estimates, invite consultant briefings, evaluate potential grant matches and draft a business-case outline for presentation to town staff and council. If the board chooses to pursue a canopy assessment, it will likely require staff coordination and possibly a grant match.
