Save the Bahamas and Get Savings on Casuarina Wood!

The Casuarina tree is an invasive species in the Bahamas. With the help of iDRY customers, we can help save the Bahamas while making use of this exceptional fuelwood. 

Casuarina wood has long, slow, hot-burning properties that leave little ash behind, and it is also dense and very hard, which all around makes for excellent firewood!  

If you want to help, keep an eye out as we will be releasing our plan of action soon! Send us a message at @idrywood or email jim@idrysystems.com to find out what you and your iDRY can do to help!

Press Release from the Bahamas Government Re: Invasive Casuarina Tree Removal Underway by Ministry of Works

“Invasive Casuarina Tree Removal Underway by Ministry of Works

Authored by: Kathryn Campbell

Source: Bahamas Information Services

Date: June 18, 2020

NASSAU, The Bahamas – Large casuarina trees that dot the landscape of The Bahamas are being removed and will be replaced with shady, native vegetation. 

The Minister of Public Works, the Hon. Desmond Bannister, in his Contribution to the 2020-2021 Budget Debate Wednesday, June 17, said the invasive species has spread “exponentially” throughout The Bahamas and taken control of coastlines on many of the islands.

Minister Bannister announced that contracts have been issued to have large casuarina trees in Eastern New Providence removed.

“The Bahamas is famous for our beaches and casuarinas are destroying [them],” said Minister Bannister. “Many residents have expressed concern that we are getting rid of what they believe to be beautiful, shady trees. That tree is the enemy of the pristine environment that we in The Bahamas cherish.”

Minister Bannister told Parliamentarians that casuarina trees that were on a beach in Andros resulted in the loss of 30-40 feet of beach of sand, and were uprooted.

He expressed concern for Eleuthera pointing out that the narrowest part of the island on the drive from south to north is lined with casuarinas.

“It [casuarina] devastates our coastal defenses for hurricanes and doesn’t let Bahamian native trees grow under it.

“Casuarinas are salt tolerant. [In] many communities in our country the casuarina has taken over the beaches and eroded them 30-40 feet. They destroy our natural vegetation,” he informed.

Minister Bannister quoted excerpts from The Bahamas Invasive Species Field Guide produced by the Department of Marine Resources to support the need for removal of the invasive species. He also displayed exhibits to make his point.

“When I cut down casuarinas out east I’m cutting down an enemy. [They] outcompete native trees [and] when a strong wind comes they are blown over and die. Our shorelines get eroded.”

He anticipates that sand on eroded beaches will replenish itself once the invasive species is replaced with indigenous trees.”