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Mr. Hager makes several important points regarding the conversion of land at Spring Lake (the proper name of the property) to be styled into student athletic fields. His letter emphasizes a lot of the concerns expressed to me, most of which were a lot less restrained.
Research conducted by members of the Biology Department at the site over the last 23 years involved traversing the golf course from early morning to near dark from April to the second week in August (the turtle nesting season). The portion of the old golf course being modified is known as Quadrant C, and was one of four primary nesting sites. Although moot at this time, I noticed no pecan trees in Quadrant C. I am sure that each of the trees appeared on a tree survey conducted by (or for) TSU because each had a small metal tag attached. That list would be available on request.
I was under the impression that American elms were native to Central Texas. Whether native or not, the loss of so many beautiful trees was a shock, only to be compounded by earth excavations that seemed counter to any concerns regarding proper archaeological protections. That said, TSU has a strong Center for Archaeological Studies (Anthropology Department), as does the State, and I am confident that members of both groups would be involved in overseeing the excavations.
When the Texas Rivers Institute was active at Spring Lake, we obtained an agreement with those responsible for maintenance of the fairways and greens not to use enhancing/protective chemicals on the course. I do not know if such an agreement is in place today.
We should all thank Mr. Hager for elucidating the environmental/archaeological concerns that have been voiced by so many. Transparency was one of his primary concerns, and we can all use more of that. Knowing that change was going to come, and seeing those beautiful trees gnawed to the ground by metallic dinosaurian brainless machines were two separate levels of neurological comprehension.
Francis Rose
