Columns:: Plan protects trees in construction zones

since 12/15/98

Columns::September 29, 2003

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Campus News

Plan protects trees in construction zones

By Larry B. Dendy
ldendy@uga.edu

The many trees on the university campus are in less danger of being damaged or destroyed by construction work now that a tree protection plan is in place.
The plan sets rules and requirements to ensure that trees and shrubs in construction zones are protected from their canopy to their roots through use of fencing, protective mulch and fabric, logging mats and limits on activities that may cause damage.
Developed by UGA’s physical plant, the plan was adopted this past spring by the University Council Facilities Committee and is now in force for all construction work, Ralph Johnson, associate vice president for physical plant, told the council at its first meeting of the academic year Sept. 18.
Every construction project must include a map that identifies trees or shrubs in a construction area. The maps must indicate trees that will be removed, and show the location, species and diameter of any that may be damaged.
The maps must also show how tree roots will be protected from soil compaction, damage by trenching or grade changes, and hazardous materials or waste products. And the maps must show how utility connections will affect trees and identify areas where construction equipment may damage overhanging limbs.
Johnson said the requirements will be a standard part of all private construction contracts and won’t add to construction costs.
In other council business
• The council approved creation of an Institute for Women’s Studies and an undergraduate interdisciplinary certificate program in British and Irish studies. Both programs will be housed administratively in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences but will include faculty in several schools and colleges.
The Institute for Women’s Studies is an expansion of the Women’s Studies Program, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. In addition to offering courses and several degree programs, the institute will promote research among both faculty and students on how society and culture are affected by gender, race, class, ethnicity, nationality and sexuality.
The British and Irish studies program will take advantage of UGA’s study-abroad program in Oxford, England, as well as a London-based program in drama and theater and four exchange programs with students from the United Kingdom. In addition to offering a wide range of courses in British studies, this program will also encourage research by both students and faculty.
• President Michael F. Adams presented a brief budget update, noting that the university has taken $52.5 million in state-managed budget cuts at a time when enrollment is up by 1,400 students. With 83 percent of the budget devoted to personnel services, UGA “has gone about as far as we can go without having to resort to layoffs,” Adams said.
The university can probably get through the current fiscal year without layoffs barring any more required cuts, “but I can’t say the same for the next year,” Adams said. He thanked faculty and staff for “working harder and faster with fewer resources” to deal with the budget crunch.
• Margaret Robinson, chair of the council’s Benefits Committee, reported that a faculty member presented the committee with a proposal for “soft” benefits for domestic partners. Such benefits might include Ramsey Student Center membership, ticket discounts for the Performing Arts Center and athletic events, and a university ID card and library card. Robinson said the proposal will be placed on the agenda of the committee’s next meeting for further discussion.
• Scott Weinberg, chair of the council’s Executive Committee, said the Faculty Conference will be revived in light of concerns raised by some Executive Committee members about faculty involvement in university decision-making.
The Faculty Conference is an informal gathering of faculty members to discuss matters of interest to faculty. The group used to meet just prior to University Council meetings but has been inactive the past few years. Weinberg said he will announce a time and place for a meeting to restart the conference.

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