The city is home to several ecologically important species, including the red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW). The RCW is a species that primarily inhabits longleaf pine forests, which comprise much of the landscape within the city. The RCW is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which is implemented by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
A permit, issued by the city, is required for the removal of ANY tree that is 8" DBH (diameter at breast height) or larger; however, the removal of any PINE trees also requires authorization from the USFWS if they are located in an RCW sensitive area. These areas are categorized as "red" and "blue." "Red" zones are those parcels that lie within a cluster, which are areas with active cavity trees, plus a 200-foot buffer. "Blue" zones are the foraging areas outside of the clusters, where the birds search for food and defend their territory.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - PINE TREE REMOVAL
How do I know if my property is located in a woodpecker zone?
Using the parcel number, search the RCW Parcel Classification List. "Green" parcels are those parcels outside of an RCW sensitive area. "Blue" and "Red" parcels are those within an RCW sensitive area. Development on these parcels will require coordination with the USFWS.
Brunswick County GIS (to find your parcel number)
RCW Parcel Classification List
What do I do if my property is located in a "blue" RCW zone and I want to remove pine trees?
Please submit the following items to the city's Planning & Zoning Department:
1. Tree Removal Application - Please complete the application in its entirety. On the basal area worksheet please complete the highlighted fields only. Include the total number of pine trees in each class size on the property, as well as the total number of pine trees in each class size you want to remove. Measurements shall be in diameter. To determine the diameter of a tree, measure around the tree at 4 1/2 feet above ground level and divide that number by 3.14.
2. Tree Survey (may be hand drawn) - Must show the location and size of all pine trees you want to remove, in relation to existing and proposed structures.
Once the application, tree survey, and spreadsheet are received, the city will conduct an inspection to confirm the trees you want to remove fall within city ordinance guidelines for removal. If the property is located in a "blue" RCW zone, the pine trees fall within ordinance guidelines, and the post-project basal area is at, or above the USFWS' recommended minimum, the city will submit a letter to the USFWS for their review and approval. The city cannot issue a clearing permit for any pine trees in a "blue" zone without the written consent of the USFWS.
If the property is located in a "blue" RCW zone and the post-project basal area is below the USFWS' recommended minimum, the city will forward the tree survey, inspection results, and application to the USFWS for processing. A clearing permit cannot be issued until written consent from the USFWS is received.
What do I do if my property is located in a "red" RCW zone and I want to remove pine trees?
If the property is located in a "red" RCW zone the USFWS may require a more intensive environmental review process, which could include the preparation of a Habitat Conservation Plan by the property owner. Property owners must first contact the USFWS prior to any development in a "red" RCW zone. The city will not process any clearing permit applications for the removal of pine trees in "red" RCW zones without first receiving written consent from the USFWS.