by Savannah Green
Wetland destruction. Endangered Species Loss. A government fighting its own people.
These are not hypothetical problems in a fictional land – that is what is happening right now at the University of Florida with their recent annihilation of historic Graham Woods.
Just a few weeks ago, the University of Florida cut down nearly every one of the roughly one thousand trees in what was once Graham Woods, a treasured habitat sanctuary in the center of campus. It was south of the basketball arena and home to an endangered species and documented archaeological site, but has now been reduced to piles of broken trees amidst cold construction equipment: a landscape become a deathscape.
All this, at an estimated cost of $10 million to tax-payers. All this, while ignoring the public who demanded alternatives. And all this, without having a final permit.
You read that right. Before the permit to destroy the forest and wetlands of Graham Woods was finalized, UF cleared the area almost completely, in complete violation of the public trust and rule of law. And we, the people, demand more than just shallow answers, we demand justice. That includes criminal culpability.
According to an article published on UF’s own website (tinyurl.com/iguana2544), citing Florida Statutes, Prof. Michael T. Olexa concludes that “Failure to obtain a permit, failure to comply with regulations, or making false statements to the permitting authorities are all first-degree misdemeanors punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000 and/or six months’ imprisonment.”
UF knew what it was doing when it cleared most of the 7.5-acre conservation area during the break weeks between summer and fall semesters, because that would reduce pushback and protest. But what they did not count on was that this time, they would not get away with it, as a group of concerned local citizens, led by the non-profit Friends of Natural Areas, Inc. (“FONA”), are fighting back with a lawsuit challenging their reckless plans with the St. Johns River Water Management District.
In the process, it has come to light that other adjacent projects, including the new dormitory complex which removed ~150 trees and multiple buildings, were also never properly permitted, but have been under construction since last October. UF seems to think it is above the law, but hopefully with a lawsuit and more public awareness, pressure can be put on state law enforcement to investigate the crimes taking place on UF campus, because they are surely not policing themselves.
It is not a question of whether some work needs to be done in the area. The question is whether UF is following the rules, and they simply are not. No final permit, no start work order, no transparency as required by law. They are cheating, and cheaters can’t be allowed to win.
Please help support FONA’s lawsuit and campaign by donating to them at tinyurl.com/iguana2545, or signing the original petition at tinyurl.com/iguana2546. If you’d like to volunteer, especially if you are an expert in science or permitting, please email SaveGrahamWoods@gmail.com. Thank you!