A tree removal permit issued by the City of Boiling Spring Lakes is required for the removal of any tree >7.9" DBH (diameter at breast height). Tree removal applications may be found on our website, under Forms & Permits. In addition to a permit from the city, authorization from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) is required for the removal of ANY pine trees. The city cannot issue a permit to remove any pine trees unless authorization from the USFWS is submitted.
The City of Boiling Spring Lakes has several ecologically important natural communities and species. One of the most notable is the red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW), a species that primarily inhabits longleaf pine forests, which comprise much of the landscape here. They are the only North American woodpecker to excavate their cavities and nests in living pine trees. Longleaf pine ecosystems are unique to the southeastern United States, and are ecologically, historically, and culturally significant.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has been entrusted by Congress to conserve and protect the RCW, among other federal trust resources. For information on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife consultation process for the City of Boiling Spring Lakes, and for instructions on submitting your online project review visit the Boiling Spring Lakes RCW Consultation page.
If you have questions, please contact the USFWS directly at (919) 856-4520 or Raleigh@fws.gov