We, the neighbors of Fort Lamar Road and Back Creek Road, are calling on Dominion Energy to protect our historic and environmentally significant community by burying power lines underground - not through our heritage trees.

Dominion’s current plan in South Carolina is to expand and modernize above-ground power infrastructure which includes replacing existing wooden poles with large galvanized steel structures—an approach that often necessitates aggressive tree removal to maintain safety clearances. While intended to improve system reliability, this plan comes at a devastating cost to the integrity of our landscape and the character of our historic community.

From the entrance corridor to Battalion Drive, and leading down Fort Lamar Road and Back Creek Road, this corridor is more than a scenic byway—it is a living monument to Charleston’s deep-rooted past. The allee of ancient live oaks, draped in Spanish moss, not only defines our neighborhood’s identity, but serves as an ecological treasure, cooling our streets, housing wildlife, and enhancing our resilience against storm surge and climate stressors.

The ongoing and excessive tree cutting will permanently alter this iconic oak-lined passage, violate the spirit of the Fort Lamar Historical Preserve, and endanger one of Charleston’s most cherished environments—if we allow it to continue.

What We’re Asking:

We urge Dominion Energy to:

Immediately halt all tree-cutting and potential above-ground pole installations.
Meet in person with community members to discuss our concerns and collaborate on a sustainable path forward.
Fully implement the Strategic Underground Program (SUP) to reroute power lines below ground—preserving trees and enhancing storm resilience. (The SUP Program is a NO cost solution for Homeowners) 
These oaks are a defining feature of Fort Lamar Road’s identity and are vital to wildlife and storm protection.
Dominion Energy already has the resources and programs in place to do this the right way—they just need to listen to the community.
This is about more than convenience—it's about preserving Charleston’s natural beauty, historical legacy, and the well-being of future generations.

Sign Now:

Your voice matters. Help us stop the destruction and protect Fort Lamar’s heritage. Sign this petition to demand that Dominion Energy bury the power lines and preserve the trees, the history, and the heart of our community.

#BuryTheLinesNotTheTrees
#SaveFortLamar
#CharlestonHistoryMatters