In the 1970s and 1980s, Avalon planted non-native Japanese black pines in the dunes because they tolerated harsh shore conditions and were thought to be free from disease and insect problems. The trees flourished, but they did not provide good wildlife habitat, were susceptible to pine bark beetles, and as they died they created a fire hazard. In 2010, Avalon began a Dune Vegetation Management Plan to replace the Japanese black pines with plants native to the area. The program is ongoing, and the stumps are from diseased trees that were cut down while their roots were left in place to help hold the dunes. Selected shrubs, trees, and other vegetation have been planted there, and the Avalon Environmental Commission oversees this project and other efforts to protect the Avalon Dune System. Japanese black pines can grow one to two feet per year and reach twenty to forty feet, with stiff dark green needles in bunches of two that reach lengths of five inches or more, gray to silvery white terminal buds, oval or cone-shaped pine cones that may be solitary or clustered, and dark gray or purple-gray scaly bark with longitudinal fissures.