Posted on 02/16/2011 3:47:00 PM PST by Jemian
AUBURN – Auburn University today confirmed that an herbicide commonly used to kill trees was deliberately applied in lethal amounts to the soil around the Toomer's Corner live oaks on campus, and there is little chance to save the trees. More information and ongoing updates as to treatment and prognosis are available on this site.
The City of Auburn Police Division is investigating the situation, and the application of this herbicide, known as Spike 80DF, or tebuthiuron, is also governed by state agricultural laws and the Environmental Protection Agency. The university does not use Spike herbicide. There is no reason to suspect any human danger from the herbicide, which manufacturer Dow Chemical says should be applied with proper clothing protection; a typical use of the herbicide is to kill trees along fence lines.
The university learned that a caller to The Paul Finebaum Show, a nationally syndicated radio show based in Birmingham, on Jan. 27, claimed he had applied the herbicide. As a precaution, soil samples were taken the next day and sent to the Alabama State Pesticide Residue Laboratory on campus for analysis. Due to a small fire that occurred in the Alabama lab in December, the tests were sent to the lab at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Miss., to expedite results.
The lowest amount detected was 0.78 parts per million, described by horticulture experts as a "very lethal dose." The highest amount detected was 51 parts per million, or 65 times the lowest dose. Experts believe a normal application by itself would have been enough to kill the trees, which are estimated to be more than 130 years old.
"We are assessing the extent of the damage and proceeding as if we have a chance to save the trees," said Gary Keever, an Auburn University professor of horticulture and a member of Auburn's Tree Preservation Committee. "We are also focused on protecting the other trees and shrubs in Samford Park. At this level the impact could be much greater than just the oaks on the corner, as Spike moves through the soil to a wide area." Additional tests are being completed to determine the movement and extent of the area affected, Keever said.
The removal process involves digging trenches and applying activated charcoal to absorb the herbicide from the soil and block its progress. A representative from Dow Chemical, which manufactures the herbicide, is advising the university on removal procedures, and expert horticulturalists are also being consulted.
"We will take every step we can to save the Toomer's oaks, which have been the home of countless celebrations and a symbol of the Auburn spirit for generations of Auburn students, fans, alumni and the community," said University President Jay Gogue.
Gogue asked members of the Auburn Family to "continue to be 'All In' in upholding its reputation for class" and not allow anger to be expressed inappropriately or undeservedly.
"It is understandable to feel outrage in reaction to a malicious act of vandalism," Gogue said. "However, we should live up to the example we set in becoming national champions and the beliefs expressed in our Auburn Creed. Individuals act alone, not on behalf of anyone or any place, and all universities are vulnerable to and condemn such reprehensible acts."
Because the application of the herbicide is being investigated, no details about the investigation can be released. Anyone with information can contact the Auburn Police Division at (334) 501-3110 or anonymously by voice or text on the tip line at (334) 246-1391.
CONTACTS FOR MEDIA:
Mike Clardy, (334) 844-9999 (clardch@auburn.edu), or
Deedie Dowdle, (334) 844-9999 (ddowdle@auburn.edu)
Yes, you’re my rival, but you know right from wrong. This was wrong. Y’all, as a group, don’t do things like this.
Your secret is safe with me.
Why not? I think that Auburn ought to use the Israeli model and blockade and bombard Alabama.
In the case of Toomer’s Corner it probably isn’t vandalism since the school doesn’t object and in fact probably encourages it.
As a general rule tho, I do think papering any place is vandalism. Pretty tame vandalism as it is not permanent.
BTW, I have been to Auburn (and Opelika too) many times. I have even competed at Auburn. Our old coach was an Auburn alum and they let us drive up from Troy and practice on their indoor track.
Unbelievable! I do not believe that this person is a Bama grad. I don't think he is even really a Bama fan or supporter. I think he is just an Auburn hater because he is a hateful individual.
As for us celebrating when the Bear died? I don't think so. I don't remember anything done one way or another, but we would definitely NOT have celebrated. If we did, I am very very sorry.
Nope. That lowlife comes from Dadeville, just 30 miles up 280 from here.
He’ll be caught. Trial about three miles from where I’m typing now. Can I be on the jury?
I am a DAWG fan, too but from Mississippi State. This brought tears to my eyes that someone would be so hateful to do something like this to something that was not bothering him in the least. AU fans, I sincerely hope that a miracle happens.
Terrible!!
Oh no.
The pictures upthread are some that I took today. You can see how sad the westernmost tree is. The horticulturists at AU are working with the makers of the herbicide to attempt some remedies. I know it sounds crazy to most, but I did pray over them. I know they are just trees, but they are part of my history and home and I have been weeping over this ever since I heard it.
There is a TOOMER’S TREE HUG this Saturday at noon. If you can’t be there, you might be able to watch it on the Toomer’s Cam. I will be taking pictures.
Oh NO!!! I just saw this - I am heartbroken! How could anyone stoop so low?? I am joining you in praying for those trees - God is the “Master of all Gardeners” -
I trust that with all the cameras that are running and with the voice on the radio and the things he’s posted online.... I would say the chances are pretty high that they WILL find Al.
:(
Dadeville is not big, not big at all. “Al” had better change his name and he really won’t be safe with that. He needs to move.
Just saw that Auburn Chief of Police says they may make an arrest tonight in the case!! (WTVM) How’s that for fast work?
War Eagle! I hope so.
Toilet paper on a tree is just a visit with relatives.
Very sad.
bookmark
This sickens the living hell out of me. Fury to the sick Bammers that think this is funny. Low life scum. What a sick example of human life.
I understand that an arrest has been made. More as details emerge.
Remember the creed. We must NOT sink to this low level. I can’t believe that Al in Dadeville is typical of Bama fans. Those who support his actions are sick, too.
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