The town of Wrightsville Beach is investigating why several cedar trees on Seacrest Drive were cut down Monday, June 8.
The town’s ordinances protect trees because of the wildlife habitat they provide and for their role in filtering stormwater, which improves the health and quality of local swimming and fishing waters.
Protected trees cannot be removed from a public or private property without a tree removal permit with a few exceptions, which are outlined in the town’s ordinances. Town manager Tim Owens said the town grants tree removal permits if trees have to be taken down to build a house, but usually the property owner will have to plant replacement trees.
The lot where the cedar trees were chopped is vacant, so Owens said the town is currently attempting to contact the property owner. He identified her as Margaret Grant of Wilmington.
“[Then] we’ll have to figure out what the next action is,” he said. “It can range from a fine to having them retroactively come in and get a permit and replacing trees.”
Town code states the maximum penalty for violating tree preservation laws is a misdemeanor and a $2,500 fine. Civil penalties may also be levied.
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