Letter of Appeal

To the Stonybrook community: When the Ashley Schiff memorial preserve was dedicated by Stony Brook University's first President John Toll and US Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall on 9 October 1969 to be "Forever Wild" they neglected to give it legal protection. Although it has been officially surveyed as an "Ecological Preserve Area", the preserve could be obliterated at any time should the university administration decide, for example, that the land is prime building space for campus expansion or even a new parking lot. President Kenny has stated that she will not develop the preserve during her administration, but up to now she has not been willing to endorse permanent, legal protection so as not to tie the hands of future administrations. But recently, she asked for a showing of wide support and she may reconsider her position. To this end, the campus-based Friends of the Ashley Schiff Park Preserve and the SBU Environmental Club have organized a petition to present to Dr Kenny during EarthStock, Friday 17 April. Please join us in solidarity by signing the online petition. The Friends of the Ashley Schiff Park Preserve are also planning a re-dedication of the preserve on Friday 9th October, the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the preserve. Stewart Udall and his son US Senator Tom Udall will be invited as well as local dignitaries and the many supporters of the preserve over the years, both within the university and beyond. The committee has set a petition goal of 10,000 signatures. It is open to all students, faculty, staff, alumni and community supporters. Sincerely, -The Friends of the Ashley Schiff Park Preserve