Old pine tree threatened

By Lauren Allen
Around the Town Assistant Editor

A pine tree at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke has its life on the line, or on the sidewalk, as some would say.

Photo by Scott Ammons A pine tree, left, planted at the end of World War II may have to be sacrificed so a sidewalk can run straight.

Unfortunately for this pine tree, it's in the way. 

The pine tree, located just outside of Old Main, has been a part of the UNCP campus for some 60 years.

It is one of the largest pine trees on campus with a diameter of about 3 feet.          

Struck by lightning a couple years ago, some say that the tree is slowly dying.

Others, however, argue that the tree is healthy, shows no signs of lightning damage and has every right to stay where it is.

According to Dr. Lisa Kelly, an associate professor of biology at UNCP, there are no signs of peeling bark, drying limbs or brown needles.

"The pine trees are almost a symbol of respect here on campus," said Jesse Peters, dean of the Honors College at UNCP. 

As of Feb. 15, the project of building the sidewalk has been put on hold, but questions are still being asked about the tree's future and the future of other trees as well.                 

With all the construction happening on the UNCP campus, many trees have been cut down to make room.          

Dr. Kelly made a request that for every tree removed on this campus another should be planted in its place.

The Health, Safety and Environment Committee approved the request on Feb. 15. 

Before a final decision is made, an evaluation will be done to determine the health of the tree. Then the plans will continue forward from there.