Petition to Protect the UNCA Urban Forest

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Petition to Protect the UNCA Urban Forest

UNCA Chancellor van Noort and UNC Asheville Board of Trustees

UNC Asheville’s 45-acre urban forest—a vital community resource and wildlife habitat—is under threat of development. Without notice, excavation began on January 13, destroying ecological research plots, disturbing wildlife, and alarming trail users. Heavy boring equipment arrived shortly after, intensifying concerns.

We urge UNCA to pause all work immediately. Let’s collaborate on a plan that balances financial needs with preserving this invaluable green space for future generations.

Sponsored by

Friends of UNCA Woods

To: UNCA Chancellor van Noort and UNC Asheville Board of Trustees
From: [Your Name]

We, the undersigned, are concerned about the excavation and development of the 45-acre forest owned by the University of North Carolina at Asheville (UNCA). This cherished forest, adjacent to neighborhoods, has been a vital resource for the health, safety, and welfare of the Asheville community and UNCA students.

As part of its mission, UNCA is committed to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and fostering community engagement. The university has also declared its campus an urban forest, recognizing the vital role green spaces play in supporting ecological health, student well-being, and Asheville’s climate resilience. The current development activities contradict these values, raising concerns among stakeholders.

The forest provides essential environmental benefits like air purification, carbon sequestration, and flood mitigation, while also serving as a wildlife habitat and space for recreation and research. Recent unannounced clearing and boring activities have disturbed habitats, destroyed research plots, and alarmed community members.

While we acknowledge UNCA’s ownership and financial challenges, we believe preserving this rare urban forest is critical to Asheville’s climate resilience and community well-being.

We respectfully request the following:

An immediate pause on all development activities in the forest.

A transparent process involving students, staff, and community members to evaluate its future use.

A commitment to explore alternatives that protect the forest while addressing UNCA’s needs.

By signing this petition, we affirm our commitment to preserving this invaluable resource for current and future generations.