This Letter-to-the-Editor appeared in the April 16, 2012 Roanoke Times
http://www.roanoke.com/editorials/letters/wb/307507

Stadium Woods should stay green

The Virginia Tech campus has undergone many changes since my undergraduate days. The Torgersen Hall Bridge now obscures the view of the War Memorial Chapel.

Dozens of buildings now stand where green space once existed.

Despite these changes, students still feel a connection to the land. Huge old trees dot the campus.

The Appalachian Mountains are visible in the distance.

Most importantly, the 15-acre Stadium Woods provides students and visitors with a glimpse of an ancient forest ecosystem.

The Stadium Woods, which was designated as green space in 2006, is now in jeopardy of being destroyed to make room for a new football practice facility.

Football facilities become outdated and are replaced over time. Tech's current practice facility is 33 years old and already considered outdated, despite numerous upgrades. Ancient forests are irreplaceable.

To destroy this forest, which was here before Virginia Tech existed, for a facility that will last fewer than 50 years is very shortsighted.

I urge readers to sign the petition to save Stadium Woods at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/vtstadiumwoods/ .

Ask President Charles Steger to keep the Stadium Woods and move the planned football facility to a more suitable location.

JASON WOODFIN
Private Forest Program Director,
Virginia Forest Watch
CHARLOTTESVILLE