The history of this Conservation Easement is a bit intricate, but, I researched the avenues available to the faculty and the students through University "mechanisms" such as grievance procedures or appeal processes to the Board of Trustees.  There were none.  I then decided there needed to be legislation because The State of North Carolina owns UNCW property.  So, when legislation happens, it's sort of like the people of North Carolina speaking in regard to themselves, only in a collective sense.

 

The Conservation Easement has gone through many metamorphosis over the last month or so and it is what I consider to be perfect.  The reason I am telling you all this, is because there is some language in there that designates particular people to be included in what is coined in the legislation proposal as an "Oversight Committee."  There are plenty reasons for the Oversight Committee, including legal ones and no one should feel less important than another.  It was just that once the Conservation Easement is passed, there needs to be a consistent understanding as to how the forest and the land will be taken care of in perpetuity.

 

It's an important measure and a necessary one.  Dr. Brewer came to the forest's rescue when his assessment included species that are threatened.  Taking that reality further will provide protection, but, any species placed on a list for protection should eventually come off that list.  So the protections even under a 'Threatened Species' designation may only be for a decade or two.  Maybe less.  So we still need something permanent to protect the forest.   

 

My letter to the commission receiving public comment will be slightly different.  Dr. Brewer focused on what in the forest is still alive and precious.  I intend to focus on what is gone from campus and how it's necessary to preserve what we have and restore the rest, including Fox Squirrels and Frogs.  With that understanding, I think you'll come to appreciate the context of the Conservation Easement.

 

Please kindly remember, included in the legislation are the words, "...members of the Save UNCW Forest group..."  There are wonderful people heavily invested in this movement to stop the destruction of the forest, preserve it and restore campus.  Those people, including me, find satisfaction in seeing the legislation to the end and being sure the spirit of it's meaning is carried out.  Those people so invested get little out of these circumstances except to know the forest will ultimately see 'old age' and exist as an example of their dedication to the conservation movement forever.  A reality every student involved in this initiative should be more proud of in their character strength to stand against authority they otherwise respect.

 

-Elisa