Concern fills the air as community members voice their opinions on the fate of UNC Asheville’s urban forest. The university’s potential development of the Millennial Campus has sparked a lively debate among residents and university officials.
Community Voices Speak Up
During a public meeting held on Wednesday, a large group of community members advocated for the preservation of the 45-acre forest on UNC Asheville’s south campus. The session was attended by Chancellor Kimberly van Noort, Board of Trustees Chair Roger Aiken, and Executive Vice Chancellor for Budget & Finance and COO Paul Forte, who were present to hear the community’s perspectives.
The university has yet to decide on the forest’s future, but a spokesperson noted in an email to BPR that they will consider all feedback and ideas. This meeting was the last of three input sessions, following prior meetings with students and staff.
The session, held in the Blue Ridge Room at the Highsmith Student Union building, reached full capacity, leaving some attendees outside. Those who registered to speak were given three minutes each to express their views. While some showed understanding towards the university’s leadership, they also expressed frustration over the perceived lack of input and transparency.
Hildy Teegan, one of the speakers, emphasized, “ Your legislature, the federal government, has made it abundantly clear that funding higher education is not a priority and therefore universities like UNCA have to find unique ways to be able to fund their mission moving forward.” She urged the university to prioritize the natural environment as a key asset for the campus’s future.
Mary Grace Bigelow, who has lived in the Five Points neighborhood for over a decade and is an alumna of UNCA, shared her personal connection to the forest. She explained that walking through the forest during her last semester provided comfort during a challenging time in her life.
The Larger Development Plan
Back in 2021, the UNC System Board of Governors designated approximately 210 acres of university-owned property as the Millennial Campus to promote research and economic development.
This land includes the 45-acre forest, as well as areas near the lookout observatory, Broadway Street, and Merrimon Avenue. Chancellor van Noort has indicated that potential uses for the land include housing, educational, and research facilities, although no concrete decisions have been made.
Residents like Bigelow began noticing changes in the forest in January, including downed trees and the presence of heavy machinery, raising concerns about the university’s intentions. UNCA officials released a statement clarifying that they are assessing the undeveloped land’s characteristics through an external vendor, which involves minimal tree removal and soil sampling.
No further input sessions are scheduled, and the timeline for future decisions remains undetermined, according to a university spokesperson.
