An environmental group agreed with original Memorial Union renovation plans to remove a 150-year-old oak tree from the Terrace along with a number of other recommendations detailed in an environmental assessment of the project released Monday.
Union renovations have been met with recent controversy over the project’s plan to remove a historic tree from the Terrace.
An Environmental Impact Assessment released by Cornerstone Environmental Group determined several trees are in critical condition due to root decay and open cavities in the trunk. While the group recommended the university closely monitor the majority of the decaying trees, it decided removing the historic oak tree would be “reasonable.”
The report concluded “due to [the tree’s] current structural condition and future liability, removal during the renovation project is reasonable.”
The report recommended the university plant new trees at the Union because many of the trees currently providing shade on the Terrace are deteriorating with age.
The assessment cited other environmental impacts from the proposed union renovations. It reported increased green space will reduce water runoff. It found renovations will increase energy and utility efficiency as well as improve shoreline protection along the Terrace.
A public meeting to present the project and report’s findings will take place Dec. 7 in Tripp Commons.
