Trees to be cut down and replanted on campus

Students may one day stroll along an Oval shaded by dozens of new oak and sugar maple trees as part of an effort by the University of Montana to re-create the tree canopy that once surrounded UM’s focal point.
But first, at least a dozen trees will be cut down.
The removal of trees, aimed at promoting a look of conformity on campus, will be the first step of the Oval Restoration Plan, according the UM Project Manager Jameel Chaudhry.
But the funding for this first step is hinging on a project with an uncertain timeline — the construction of the new Native American Center.

Students may one day stroll along an Oval shaded by dozens of new oak and sugar maple trees as part of an effort by the University of Montana to re-create the tree canopy that once surrounded UM’s focal point.
But first, at least a dozen trees will be cut down.
The removal of trees, aimed at promoting a look of conformity on campus, will be the first step of the Oval Restoration Plan, according the UM Project Manager Jameel Chaudhry.
But the funding for this first step is hinging on a project with an uncertain timeline — the construction of the new Native American Center.
In an e-mail, Arboretum Committee Chair Perry Brown, chair of the Arboretum Committee and former College of Forestry and Conservation dean, wrote that “the bids have not been submitted for the (Native American Center) building and thus (construction) still might not happen or the design might change and that changes what happens to the site.”
Five of the trees that would be removed would give way to the Native American Center and its construction vehicles, and another seven would be removed for the Oval Restoration Plan. 
Regardless, Kevin Krebsbach, associate director of Planning and Construction, said all 12 trees will eventually be cut down when appropriate funding is received.
“But still,” Chaudhry said, “Many mature trees are being protected and will remain on campus.”
One tree in particular, though, will stay on campus in a different form.
A 28-inch-wide larch will be cut down in the construction process of the building, but plans are already being made to incorporate the tree into the facility, possibly as a dance floor.
Architects for the Native American Center also aim to receive certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System.
The landscaping for the new facility should contribute to this certification, Chaudhry said.
Seven small gardens will be planted around the building, each representing a certain Montana reservation and its respective native life.
The gardens will require little water and contain native vegetation such as wild rye, tufted hair grass and Indian rice grass. Chaudhry said the sustainable aspects of the building correspond with the Native American lifestyle.
“Their whole philosophy is based on being one with the earth, not destroying it,” he said. “It’s been a goal of ours from the get-go to limit the number of trees we cut down.”
He added that four new trees will also be planted around the Native American Center. Forestry Club President Pat Johnson said he supports the changes coming to campus.
“I think it’s a good idea (to plant new trees and plants),” he said, adding that the UM campus is the Montana State Arboretum.
The trees on campus are a representation of native North American species, with an emphasis on species native to Montana.
Yet Johnson isn’t opposed to cutting down trees on campus.
“You have to make room for buildings,” he said. “Trees grow back, they’re a renewable resource. Most people don’t understand that.”
carly.flandro@umontana.edu