On a recent Friday, a significant number of students from UNC Asheville, accompanied by community members, assembled outside the Highsmith Student Union. Their mission: to protest against the proposed development of a section of the Millennial Campus, which encompasses 45 acres of urban forest.
The protest was spearheaded by local artist Spenser Beals, who rallied the students to the cause. They were joined by local advocacy groups, including the prominent Save the Woods organization.
Motivated by personal reasons, Beals shared his desire to preserve the forest for future generations. “Everything stemmed out of that, man, because I can’t drive 40 minutes every time I need to go into the woods,” Beals stated. “This is right by my art studio, right by where my girlfriend lives. I’ve gotten into the woods every single day now and I can’t give that up. So my heart is centered on the mission.”
A university spokesperson confirmed to BPR that Beals was granted permission to hold the protest on campus grounds. “The event is being organized by him and was initiated solely by Mr. Beals,” she explained, noting that student groups had not made the request.
Earlier this year, in early June, plans were announced by UNCA officials to develop the Millennial Campus, including a 5,000-seat multipurpose stadium. However, following substantial public opposition regarding transparency and environmental issues, negotiations were paused with developers.
Currently, the university aims to create a Millennial Campus Development Commission to steer future development plans.
