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)
I have not seen that shirt... just proves that the twisted thinking of Updyke is still out there (even as he sits in the Lee County lock-up)....
Just trying to concentrate on the well wishes and genuine support from many Bama fans (most of whom actually went to college!!!) and trying to ignore the ignorance and hatred of the minority (most of whom never sat in a college classroom ANYWHERE!!!)
I didn’t say I can always ignore them.... its a day to day thing :)
A friend has put me on to Tecnu which is a homeopathic wash. It really does stop urushiol in about 15 seconds.
I've read The Secret Garden, but I don't believe I've read the Godden book. I have two of her books that I read as a child. They're here somewhere. I'll have to hunt them up.
This is a crime and not a prank. Whoever did this needs to spend some time in prison with Bubba.
Over past year there have been a number of stories about historic trees in this country and from around the world being destroyed or attacked. Is there some sort of pattern developing?
I don’t know about the other trees, but this was the work of one deranged lunatic. He has been repudiated by those he claimed to support and outside of his family, he has no friends anywhere. He, Harvey Almorn Updyke, Jr., will be spending many years in prison.
Thanks for the report and photos, Jem.
Ooops, I forgot we can’t embed here. Just a moment and I’ll get a link. Sebentar.
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