I stumbled upon this story last night while looking for the Wisconsin debate online. Amazing how I saw no mention of this stupid proposal in the alumni mailings I get. Gee I wonder why?
When it comes to recruiting, Virginia Tech's athletics department is taking an "if we build it, they will come" approach, with plans to construct a new $20 million indoor practice facility for its football and other sports teams near Lane Stadium on the university campus.
...There's only one problem: A densely wooded area chock full of old-growth trees, some older than the United States itself, is in the way.
...A group called Friends of Stadium Woods and Virginia Tech professor John Seiler are determined not to let those trees come down.
Gawd, I so desperately wish Ents were real sometimes...
If you are an alumnus or know one, or live in the New River Valley or know someone who does, please make sure everybody who should knows about this. It appears today is the last day before findings go out to the decision makers here:
Professor John Randolph - energy[at]vt.edu
Vice President Sherwood Wilson - sgwilson@vt.edu (540) 231-4416
Virginia Tech President Dr. Charles W. Steger - president@vt.edu (540) 231-6231
Board of Visitors:
Ms. Kim O'Rourke
210 Burruss Hall (0131)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Phone: (540) 231-6231
E-mail: bov@vt.edu
Fortunately, nobody has to listen to a damn thing Johnson et al say, as the final decision lies with the
Board of Visitors. There is a lot of other organizational info/contact info at
this page. And of course, we should not be shy about contacting the alumni office or the VA Tech foundation. Nothing to get their attention like a threat to donation streams!
As much I want to curse these people out seven ways to Sunday, I know that only polite and professional communications will work. Please join me in this effort. This is seriously the last weekend they are taking considerations on this issue. Thankfully, there has been some decent press on the issue, with a lot of people coming to the defense of the trees. And even Johnson was forced to admit that most people weighing in on the issue are choosing the trees over a $20 million indoor practice facility that will only be used by a fraction of the student body.
The even better news is we still have most of today to make sure the right decision is made in this. Please help spread the word so that we swamp these people in a last-minute deluge in favor of the trees. The trees will thank you, and so do I.