Toomer's Corner oaks, at Auburn University, poisoned with herbicide; unlikely to survive
Ok, seriously, it doesn’t matter who you are or what school you cheer for or against, I’m sure if you are a rational person you will find this act of vandalism appalling. Anyone who would do something like this is among the worst of all the scum on the earth. I am in shock. Read the full article from http://ocm.auburn.edu/news/oaks.html posted below with quotes from one of Judd’s horticulture professors.
“Toomer's Corner oaks poisoned with herbicide; unlikely to survive
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.
Last Updated: Feb. 16, 2011”
Agreed babe! All I can say to this is..... WOW! These malicious acts really put things into perspective. Football is a game. It is sad when someone takes the game out of context. What next….Will someone shoot the eagle? It is a sad day when someone takes it upon himself to desecrate one of college football’s most beloved traditions….Rolling Toomer’s Corner. I love football more than anyone I know, and yes…I do know that football is a religion to most in the South. I think that the passion that most Auburn and Alabama fans show week in and week out for 365 days of the year is what sets this rivalry apart from the rest of the country. However, an act like this really puts a dark shadow on the rivalry for now. Not once, have I ever even come close to deriving a plan to do something to a University of Alabama landmark. Something is majorly wrong with that guy to do something like that. Let’s keep it on the field people. If everyone would just calm down, and take a moment to reflect on what has happened in the past few years, then one would realize that the next couple of years could be the best years of the most storied rivalry in football. Back to back National Championships, back to back Heisman Trophy winners and it appears like it may be more to come. Everyone just sit back, relax, and try to enjoy the show. Keep things in perspective. I hope there are no retaliations and that the Auburn Family will show grace and class. Okay…I’m getting off my soap box now…….but before I do. WAR EAGLE!
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