The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management has released guidance for property owners, organizations, and towns interested in using natural Christmas trees for dune restoration projects.
Natural, undecorated Christmas trees can serve as a substitute for traditional sand fencing. Sand fencing is typically constructed from wood or synthetic materials and placed on beaches or dunes to help trap blowing sand. The Division recommends that trees be positioned according to the state’s rules for sand fencing, with the exception that Christmas trees should not be placed closer to the ocean, sound, river, or shoreline than the base of the nearest dune.
The guidance states: “Christmas trees should not block public access to the beach, recreational use of the beach, emergency vehicle access or be placed on private property without permission. Trees should be placed at an angle no less than 45 degrees to the shoreline, and trees should be spaced apart at a minimum of seven feet.”
A separation of at least seven feet between any existing sand fencing and Christmas trees must also be maintained. The rows are required to be only one tree wide. The Division notes that unvegetated beach berms or recently created “starter dunes” are not considered natural dunes; therefore, trees should not be placed at their seaward base or on open beach areas.
To comply with all applicable rules regarding sand fencing placement, individuals are advised to review standards outlined in 15A NCAC 07K .0212. If tree placement does not meet these criteria, applicants need to submit a CAMA Minor Permit application for review. Additional information can be obtained by contacting local CAMA permitting authorities or DCM district offices before placing any trees.
For those participating in recycling programs within their communities, the Division suggests contacting local government offices for details about how to recycle natural Christmas trees.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) oversees management and protection of the state’s natural resources through several divisions focused on air and water resources as well as coastal protection. It provides regulatory oversight across air, land, water, and coastal environments statewide through a network of regional offices supporting local stewardship (https://www.deq.nc.gov/). The DEQ also supports public education efforts and promotes environmental compliance throughout North Carolina (https://www.deq.nc.gov/).
The agency aims to provide science-based stewardship that advances health and prosperity for residents across the state (https://www.deq.nc.gov/). Its responsibilities include issuing permits, enforcing environmental laws, managing waste disposal programs, and overseeing water resources (https://www.deq.nc.gov/). Established in 2015 after restructuring from its predecessor agency (https://www.deq.nc.gov/), DEQ’s central office is located at 217 West Jones Street in Raleigh (https://www.deq.nc.gov/).
