Frequently Asked Questions with Answers
What are the rules for tree farms?
Tree farms allow tree harvesting. Tree farming is viewed as an agricultural enterprise and is governed by NC State Forestry Regulations. Mr. Craig has owned his forest for over 50 years and had not up to now conducted a harvest. Tree farms are taxed at a lower value than other types of property. For example, Mr. Craig paid only $215 in 2017 on his two Bolin Forest properties.
Was this forest considered healthy?
Yes, there was no known pine beetle infestation. The forest could have grown another 80 years in a healthy condition according to a forestry professor who evaluated the health of the trees on the PH Craig tract. Douglas Frederick Memorandum to Mayor Lavelle and Board of Aldermen, 7/23/2018
How did our local leaders respond to our community appeal last June?
We were thrilled that both Mayors of Carrboro and Chapel Hill saw the need to act. Mayor Lydia Lavelle of Carrboro took the lead with the Board’s support and with the advice of conservation groups to begin negotiations with Mr. Craig.
How much of the forest on the Craig property will be cut down?
Up to 40 acres on the land PH Craig owns is in Carrboro’s planning jurisdiction, and up to 1 1/2 acres on the portion in Chapel Hill’s jurisdiction.
Is there an approved plan to cut the remaining 35 acres?
We are investigating to find out if additional trees could be harvested under tree farm rules. Because the tract borders Bolin Creek and is laced with intermittent streams, the lowland portions could not be developed under Carrboro’s regulations.
Why does the owner say he wants to harvest the timber?
Why I have to clear-cut a part of the P.H. Craig forest tract in Chapel Hill
Information on Forest Harvesting Plan, Town of Carrboro.
What do the experts say?
The value of the PH Craig Tract goes beyond its trees, Peter White, Herald Sun
Douglas Frederick Memorandum to Mayor Lavelle and Board of Aldermen.7.23 , NC State Forestry
It is true that PH Craig was required to clear cut his forest?
We know of no requirement that he harvest his trees. We asked the Orange County tax office have attached an email exchange with Matthew Durning.
What is special about this tract that led us to think it would be conserved?
Both the Orange County Lands Legacy and the NC Natural Heritage programs have long considered this tract prime conservation land. Forestry Professor Frederick cited special features of this property: 80 years of undisturbed growth, proximity to Bolin Creek, and its “keystone” position next to the 325-acre UNC tract to the north and the 27-acre Carrboro and Orange County ‘Adams’ tract purchased in 2003. Mr Craig’s forest is far more valuable, both now and into the future, as a protected “old growth” forest for wildlife habitat and recreational space rather than as a timber farm.
What are the expected impacts of land clearing on the creek on the local ecosystem?
Michael Paul, Environmental Researcher and Steam Ecologist, said Bolin Creek is currently a “threatened” creek as defined by the EPA. He said that because of the topography, it would be very difficult to clear-cut this property without further compromise to erosion. He explained that a separate set of rules apply to silviculture and Mr. Craig does not need to seek any environmental permit unless and until he is found to be out-of-compliance. He observed that timbering can radically change the hydrology of a site – trees take in a lot of water and without them there would likely be more runoff and siltation into the creek. He also noted that trees reduce water temperatures, thus improving aquatic life. He cited heightened risks of more sediment into Bolin Creek and increased water temperatures as the major threats following a clear-cutting of this property. Everyone is aware of the loss of tree cover on climate change.
Who do I call to report a problem?
Page with the people to contact here.