NC lawmakers want to let billboard industry cut more trees, especially redbuds

A bill approved by state lawmakers would increase the number of trees the billboard industry could cut on state highway right-of-wayPhoto byRICHARD Stradling

A bill that received final approval from North Carolina lawmakers would allow billboard owners to cut more trees along state highways.

The legislation, House Bill 198, expands the "view zone" for each billboard, permitting companies to remove trees and vegetation from the state right-of-way up to 500 feet from the sign.

The bill also eliminates protections for redbud trees, leaving only native dogwoods protected from being cut to improve billboard visibility.

Key Provisions of House Bill 198

• Expanded View Zones: The bill increases the view zone for billboards from up to 380 feet to 350 feet on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less, and to 500 feet on roads with speed limits over 35 mph.
• Tree Protections: Current protections for redbud trees will be removed, while native dogwoods will continue to be protected.

Stakeholders' Views

• Billboard Industry: The N.C. Outdoor Advertising Association supports the changes, arguing the current view zones are insufficient for visibility.
• Environmental Groups: Organizations such as the Sierra Club and Scenic North Carolina oppose the bill, arguing it sacrifices public trees unnecessarily. They emphasize that the existing view zones established in 2011 were a compromise that had broad support.

Controversy Over Redbud Trees

• Billboard Industry Concerns: The industry argues that redbuds can grow large enough to block billboards.
• Environmental Value: Advocates for maintaining redbud protections argue that these trees contribute to the state's scenic beauty and tourism appeal.

Perspectives from Lawmakers

• Support for the Bill: Some lawmakers, like Sen. Steve Jarvis, argue that increased visibility is necessary for drivers to see billboards and make navigation decisions.
• Opposition to Tree Cutting: Critics like Ryke Longest highlight the aesthetic and environmental value of the trees, arguing that cutting them will negatively impact the state's natural beauty without benefiting the business climate.

Governor Roy Cooper's decision on whether to sign the bill into law remains pending.