Island Report by Appycity

Volume 25, No. 3

March 2014

Bald Head Association

Island Report Communication, Advocacy and Protection of BHI Property Values

President’s Letter: Spring on Bald Head Island ~Kit Adcock I love spring! Spring marks time for me more definitively than any other season. The lengthening days, hints or spells of warmth, and the cacophony of bird song becoming louder and more complex, are all things I treasure. I love driving up and down I-40 and watching the stages of tree growth from the budding of woody branches to fully dressed leaf-covered crowns. My appreciation of nature peaks at this time of year. Spring on Bald Head is so very different from the mainland. The oak trees lose their leaves in the spring, making that transition to a new season a bit less dramatic. Yet here I get to enjoy the newness of spring more intimately. It is so wonderful to watch the many varieties of island birds carefully pluck elements from our surroundings to create homes for nesting. Even the nests themselves seem more numerous and visible in our more natural environment. The return of the ibis, the awakening of the alligators and the toads climbing out of their winter hidey holes all ground me in the rhythms of this wonderful place that happen whether I pay attention or not. Watching my personal landscape at Bald Head transform has brought a greater appreciation of native plants. The eleagnus hedge we planted to provide privacy between our house and our neighbor’s got drowned in Hurricane Ophelia. In its place two volunteer oaks and two palm trees have grown, showing me once again that nature has done a much better job landscaping my yard than I could have done. These trees provide welcome shade on our

home’s southern face that lowers our summer air conditioning bills considerably. No complaints about that! The beautiful dogwoods that used to be a harbinger of spring on Bald Head have suffered from blight and no longer grace our roadways. Efforts to find other dogwood varieties that will adapt here have so far been unsuccessful. To minimize loss of such island flora, islanders are encouraged to use native plants and island mulch. The Bald Head Island Conservancy and the Bald Head Association each has lists of plants that thrive in our semi-tropical environment. Island Hardware carries many of these varieties and can provide others on request. The Village “recycles” limbs and plant debris creating mulch that is available to all islanders. Working together we can prevent the loss of additional species, ensuring that our island habitat stays healthy and thrives. The “K.I.S.S.” premise, “keep it simple, sweetie,” that is foundational to Bald Head’s environmental focus and attraction enables me to appreciate my natural surroundings more and more each year, especially in the spring. The added bonus is that I am able to spend more time enjoying Bald Head’s past times and less time trying to “manicure” my yard. It is, quite simply, hard to improve upon Mother Nature. In this Issue: • BHA Common Area - page 2 • BHA Landscaping Rules - page 3 • Association Center Fees Lowered - page 4 • BHI Mulch - page 6

March Island Report

BHA Common Area ~Kit Adcock, President The presence of an extensive and exquisite maritime forest in proximity to gorgeous beaches is a rarity. The flora and the fauna that call Bald Head Island home are among the island’s major attractions. When thinking about our community’s land and environmental preservation, most islanders think of Bald Head Woods and Smith Island Land Trust properties. Yet the forerunner to these preserved properties is the natural Common Area in Stages 1 and 2. Woven throughout the island, this undeveloped land consists of beaches and dune front, as well as forest. In Stage 1 almost all lots are adjacent to this treasure. The Bald Head Association plays an important role in preserving and protecting the island and its bio-diversity through its oversight of the vast Common Area in Stage 1. The Bald Head Association Covenants in Article 1.8 define the Common Area as “…all real property and facilities owned by the Association for the common use and enjoyment of all Members of the Association, including greenways, recreational areas, dunes, beaches and roadways.” In everyday usage, and for this discussion, the Common Area refers to the undeveloped greenways, dunes and beaches in Stage One. It is easy to forget that Common Area even exists when there are still so many undeveloped lots. Indeed, the Common Area provides a lovely backdrop to showcase the island’s built environment and it creates a buffer between homes, and between homes and the golf course. Those are its aspects that islanders commonly think of with respect to this resource. BHA Design Guidelines’ landscaping narrative addresses the critical role the island’s natural areas play. “…The Forest prevents wind erosion and traps windblown sand to eventually form the large dunes on the seaward edge…plant varieties [that] do occur on the dunes are very important to the stability of the

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slow moving dunes. The sea oats and other salt and wind tolerant grasses, vines and shrubs inhibit the movement that would otherwise bury the forest. …On a wooded site, protecting and planting trees decreases temperature impacts of seasonal extremes, while at the same time providing privacy and beauty. In the dunes, strategically placed appropriate shrubs can detour strong winds and, in combination with the native grasses, can stabilize shifting sands that tend to intrude on unwanted places. The “leading edge” of maritime forest on the dune side is especially sensitive, as it protects the remaining forest from the “domino effect” of salt spray die back.” The Common Area preserves the natural flora of the island by limiting its disturbance and allowing the land to develop naturally and to regenerate itself. It provides a healthy home for the island’s native fauna, for those transients that nest on our Island paradise and for those transients resting here on northward and southern journeys each year. All natural areas serve as a barrier for hurricanes or nor’easters impacts literally by holding the land in place, while vine-laden shrubs and tree crowns protect the built environment by creating a shear zone that absorbs the impacts of wind and wind-driven debris. BHA Design Guidelines further state that “Letting nature run its course does not mean total abandonment of planting maintenance. Rather, it will mean a controlled and guided landscape in character with the charm and beauty of Bald Head Island.” Association Common Area policy elaborates on the definition of its Common Area maintenance mission. “…the classic definition of “maintenance” is upkeep – the work of keeping something in proper condition. On BHI, maintenance would involve working to keep the Island “litter free” and the clearing of natural growth that creates a hazard to people, animals or to the natural environment. The goal should be to preserve and enhance the Island’s natural beauty with plantings that are native and natural to the Island. Plantings and formal landscaping that would require watering and extra care would not fall under the definition of [Common Area] maintenance.” continued on page 4

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Bald Head Association Landscaping: General Rules Your Lot • Maintain a natural landscape wherever possible • Use native plants (Lists available online in the BHA Design Guidelines and at Bald Head Island Conservancy.) • Use Island mulch whenever possible (contact Village Public Works Department) • If spending $1,000 or more on landscaping, advance approval of the Association’s Architectural Review Committee is REQUIRED. • No trees greater than three (3) inches in diameter from outside bark to outside bark at four (4) feet above ground level can be removed from your property without prior approval from both the Association AND the Village. • When larger plants are approved for removal, often replacement plantings of comparable size or scope will be required. • When large trees or limbs from large trees must be removed, please employ an arborist. • If dead or weakened trees in the Common Area threaten your home or property, please contact the Association to arrange for removal. (Note: Dead trees and limbs provide habitat for many island critters.) • The BHA Design Guidelines include an appendix with deer-resistant plants by type. Please note: When deer are hungry, they will eat anything! Suggestions for Dealing with “Pests” * • Keep shrubbery at least 18 inches (shoulder width) from the foundation of buildings. • Keep limbs at least six (6) feet from roofs and overhangs. • Keep landscape debris piles away from structures and promptly notify Public Works for pick-up. (Currently, contracted landscape service providers are responsible for disposing of debris they create/ collect.) • Grasses that create clumps provide ideal habitat for nesting. Consider alternatives.

March Island Report

*Thanks to Cindy McRobbie Lauer, NC Registered Pest Technician with Manning’s Pest Control for this timely and important information. For more information targeted to Bald Head Island customers please go to Cindy’s blog at http://anxiousantiquer. wix.com/bhi-bug-lady Common Area No clearing, landscaping or improvements of any type may occur on these properties without the permission of the BHA Board of Directors or its designated committee. Golf Course/Fairway Lots Adjoining Common Area (from BHA Common Area policy) Must be left in a natural state, OR, WITH PERMISSION from the Architectural Review Committee AND consistent with Village of BHI Zoning Ordinance as amended 9/15/01, property owners may remove vines, underbrush, stumps, trash, dead trees and trees less than three inches in diameter (outside bark to outside bark) when measured four (4) feet above ground level, followed by appropriate mulching and care. New plantings are restricted to native trees. Use of herbicides and pesticides is prohibited without permission. Maintenance of such cleared Common Area is the responsibility of the property owner adjoining the Common Area. New Construction The rules for construction of new homes serve to limit disturbance of a lot’s natural elements. Existing trees and shrubs are identified on the site plan and homes are sited to take advantage of specimen trees. Fencing is required to define the limits of construction activity and the locations of materials storage and construction debris. Construction ingress and egress are located to minimize the impact on existing plants. A landscape plan must be submitted to the Architectural Review Committee when a home’s construction is about 70 percent complete. Any mitigation for damaged plants must be addressed in this plan. Refund of the construction deposit is withheld until successful BHA Architectural Review final inspection of both the home and the landscape plan. continued on page 4

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Landscaping ... continued from page 3

Common Area ... continued from page 2

Violations/Penalties The Bald Head Association Covenants allow for considerable remediation and mitigation for violations as well as fines of up to $100/day per violation. Please let’s all avoid the need for such penalties.

This resource benefits all islanders and is often taken for granted. Except in special circumstances that benefit all island owners and guests, such as the Wildlife Overlook and the community dog park, it is intended to be enjoyed passively – visually. No clearing, landscaping or improvements of any type may occur on these properties without the permission of the BHA Board of Directors or its designated committee. As stewards of the Common Area the Association must act to ensure it is left alone so that it can continue both to thrive and to protect all of us. As common owners of the Common Area all Stage One property owners are encouraged to help protect and preserve it.

Note: The Architectural Review Committee meets the first Monday of each month, unless otherwise posted on the Association calendar. The submission deadline is the Thursday a week prior to the monthly meeting.

SAVE THE DATE Wounded Warrior Weekend

April 24-28, 2014 Plan to be a part of this special weekend when the Bald Head community joins together in thanking a small number of service men and women and their families for their sacrifice by providing a free weekend of relaxation on the Island. Contact John Fisher at fisher5@att.net for more information.

BHA Board Votes to Lower Association Center Fees Looking for a place to hold a wedding reception? Rehearsal dinner? Family bar-b-que? Why not consider renting the Association Center? And, it will cost you less this year than last. At the suggestion of BHA’s Finance Committee, the Board of Directors recently voted to reduce the member cost for renting the facility. As of January 1st, fees are $200 for less than 2 hours, $400 for a half-day rental and $600 for a full-day. This amount includes full use of the finishing kitchen, tables/ chairs, professional sound equipment and 1000+ square feet of wooded decking overlooking the Bald Head Creek. Contact Diane Mesaris for more information at diane@baldheadassociation.com or 910-457-4676 x21. Page 4

The Return of Island Treasures Saturday, April 26th; 9am-4pm BHA’s Association Center Bald Head Association will be hosting the Island Treasures community yard sale on Saturday, April 26th from 9am – 4pm at the Association Center. If homeowners are interested in selling “gently used” furniture, linens, children’s items, nick-knacks and other household items, contact the BHA office at 457-4676 x21 to reserve a table. Anything that doesn’t sell will be picked up and donated to Hope Harbor. A receipt will be issued to use as a tax-deductible donation. Mark your calendars and start collecting your stuff!!! Sponsored by BHA’s Communication, Education and Recreation Committee.

SAVE THE DATE Meet Your Island Service Providers Thursday, April 17th – 1-2pm BHA’s Association Center Stop by the Association Center to meet representatives of companies that do business on BHI. Pick up a few business cards and make connections for future use.

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March Island Report

Beautyberry, Honeysuckle, Palmetto, Oh My! ~ Nicki Dardinger, Director of Conservation, BHI Conservancy Thinking about sprucing up your gardens and landscaping this spring? Consider including some of the island’s native plants in your plans! The BHI Conservancy will be holding its second annual Native Plant Sale this spring. Plants will include American beautyberry, coral honeysuckle, sea oats, dwarf palmetto, and more! Native plants require less water than the more popular garden flowers and shrubs, and they are adapted to survive and thrive in the hot, salty, barrier island environment. Order forms will be available at the Barrier Island Study, Turtle Central, the Bald Head Association, and on www.BHIC.org during the second week of March. Orders deadline is Friday, April 11th, and plants will be available to be picked up at the BHI Conservancy from April 19th27th. Supports SILT Land Preservation.

BHI Chamber Holds Annual Meeting The Bald Head Island Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated its one-year anniversary by holding its first annual meeting. Chamber President Claude Pope outlined the organization’s accomplishments over the past year, including the development of a mission statement, launch of the web site (baldheadisland.org), significant input on revisions to the Village of Bald Head Island’s sign ordinance and the development of organizational procedures. Pope also discussed future activities, including a family-friendly fishing tournament being planned for late 2014. Individuals and businesses interested in joining the Chamber can find out more at baldheadisland.org.

The Old Baldy Quilters have already begun work on the 2014 quilt and it is going to be spectacular. The dragonflies’ wings, shown above, are made of glow in the dark fabric. Fabric buttons will literally light up the night sky and the lighthouse. Sound effects from the frogs and pirate ship will add a finishing touch unlike any other in the past. Watch for updates throughout the summer!

SAVE THE DATE Litter Sweep Saturday, April 19th at 9am Public Safety Operations Building Join fellow Islanders in cleaning up the Island by participating in the semi-annual Litter Sweep sponsored by BHA’s Natural Resources & Beautification Committee. Prizes will be awarded. Page 5

March Island Report

Why the fuss about BHI mulch?

By Nicki Dardinger, Director of Conservation, Bald Head Island Conservancy Last month, representatives from the BHI Conservancy, Village of BHI, Bald Head Association, Stage II Association, BHI Mulch Facility, Public Works, and island landscaping companies came together to discuss the importance of using BHI mulch and the risks associated with bringing mulch over from the mainland. After a healthy discussion, it was agreed that it was critical to minimize or eliminate the importing of mulch from the mainland and encourage, and possibly require, property owners to use BHI mulch. Why is it so important to use mulch from BHI? From a conservation standpoint, it is due to a tiny, non-native insect called the redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus). This beetle was accidentally brought to the United States from Asia and was first detected in 2002 at a site in Georgia. The female redbay ambrosia beetles lay their eggs in healthy redbay trees (Persea borbonia). Unfortunately, when the female ambrosia beetle bores into the trees, she also introduces a fungus into the tree that grows and provides nutrients to the young beetles. This fungus grows in the water and nutrient transport systems of the trees, ultimately resulting in the tree becoming unable to transport water. Without effective water transport, branches begin to wilt – symptoms of a disease called laurel wilt, which will ultimately result in the death of the infected trees. While we do have native ambrosia beetles on Bald Head Island that occasionally cause damage to unhealthy redbay trees, the non-native redbay ambrosia beetle has not yet been seen on the island and there has been no evidence of laurel wilt in the Page 6

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island’s maritime forest. However, laurel wilt has been documented in Brunswick County as well as in numerous sites across the southeast including locations in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. It is crucial that the island be proactive in protecting its maritime forest from this threat. Good proactive measures include eliminating the importation of mulch and firewood from areas where laurel wilt has been documented as well as ensuring that all landscaping vehicles are thoroughly cleaned before arriving on the island. Redbay trees are extremely important to the health of the maritime forest – and the island. These trees make up approximately 30% of the forest’s understory, and its presence enables the forest to do its job – that of holding the island together and providing protection from weather and storms. The BHI Conservancy is currently embarking on a new monitoring project in the maritime forest to document the prevalence of redbay trees and monitor for signs of laurel wilt on the island. Together, by making an easy choice to use mulch from the BHI mulch facility, island property owners can work to keep the redbay ambrosia beetle off of Bald Head Island, ensuring the longterm health of the maritime forest.

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March Island Report

OUR CERTIFIED ARBORISTS WILL BE ON THE ISLAND AGAIN THIS WINTER! PLEASE ALLOW US THE PRIVILEGE OF CARING FOR YOUR TREES BY SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT FOR YOUR PROPERTY NOW.

TODD STEPHENSON, ISA CERTIFIED ARBORIST totaltreecare@sc.rr.com

843-651-TREE (8733)

Repairs

Remodeling Additions

Proudly serving

Chris Hutchens

Vice President of Mortgage Lending chris.hutchens@guaranteedrate.com www.guaranteedrate.com/chrishutchens o: 910.344.0304 m: 910.231.4375 f: 773.357.4643

Bald Head Island For 15 years

457-4777

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A L M OS Q

RIP

COA

March Island Report

BUSTERS

When buying or selling an island property, look to the island’s most successful real estate sales company.

457-7400 • www.bhirealestate.com

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~ March 2014 ~

Volume 25, No. 3

Sun

Mon

Tue

March Island Report

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

2Communion

8:30 am Rev. Richard Elliott Episcopal

8:30 am Rev. Peter Bynum Presbyteriam

8:30 am Rev. Bill Braswel Methodist

Yoga 11:45 am (AC)

Howl at the Moon 6 pm (access 39)

BHI Club BOG 9 am (Club) Yoga 11:45 am (AC) “3rd Monday” Pot Luck 6 pm (AC)

8:30 am Rev. Jack Karpenske Lynchburg Church of the Brethren

8:30 am Rev. Carl Satchleben, Lutheran

Yoga 11:45 am (AC)

Pilates 9 am (AC)

Pilates 9 am (AC) Book Club 10:30 am

Pilates 9 am (AC)

25 Pilates 9 am (AC)

Yoga 11:45 am (AC) Card Making Class 2 pm - 5 pm(AC) Ash Wednesday 8:30 am Rev. Dr. Garrett Albertson

Yoga 11:45 am (AC)

Pilates 9 am (AC)

Pilates 9 am (AC) Chamber of Commerce BOD 11 am (AC)

Men’s Bible Study 8 am ARC Mtg 9:30 am

8 Timbercreek Association Meeting 9 am (BHA)

14No BHA Mtg. 15 Concert

7:30 pm (VC)

Yoga 19 11:45 am (AC)

Boy Scout Ann. Breakfast 9 am (Club) Terminal Groin Workshop 3-4:30pm(BHIC) 5-7pm (BHA)

Yoga 11:45 am (AC)

Pilates Men’s Bible Study 9 am (AC) 8 am Terminal Groin Village Council Workshop 2:30 pm 3-5pm (BHA)

Badwater Cape Fear 50 mile race (BHIC)

Pilates 9 am (AC)

Notes: AC (BHA Association Center) BHIC (BHI Conservancy) Club (BHI Club) VC (Village Chapel) PSD (Public Safety Operations Building)

Standing Events: • Alcoholics Anonymous—Mon & Fri, 12 1pm, Association Ctr. Contact John B. at 4549251 or sober.1.day.at.a.time@gmail.com • Knitting—A group of knitting enthusiasts meets every Wed at the Association Ctr., 9:30 11:30am Page 9

You own a beach house and you need new furniture ... Will you: a. Live with the plaid sofa that came with the house? b. Enlist the help of a decorator who recommends the same sofa for every house on the island because there are 23 in the warehouse? c. Find something gently loved on craigslist off island and convince a few friends that hauling it in the back of your SUV is small change in return for a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;freeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; weekend at the beach? d. Stop by Room Service and get complimentary in-store design advice five days a week and find something just right for you? Open daily 10 to 5 With complimentary design services from either Emily Bonney or Corey Boyett available Monday through Friday from 10-5 910-457-9911