Deforestation of an urban ecosystem DRAFT RESPONSE (from President Welty)

I woke up this morning to find the following DRAFT response in my campus email inbox, and thought it worth sharing given the interest my original letter has generated. Do share your thoughts on this while I mull it over and respond.

{Update: Several faculty colleagues tell me that they too received versions of the same generic response to letters they wrote on this issue.)

Begin forwarded message:

Subject: Deforestation of an urban ecosystem DRAFT RESPONSE

Date: May 26, 2012 8:20:56 AM PDT

Sent from my iPad

Thank you for your thoughtful and articulate letter regarding the removal of trees in preparation for a parking project. I understand your concern and I agree that there was insufficient discussion as we approached this renovation. I have sent a message to the campus community today [going out Friday] about the need to review our consultative process on major renovations. I also will consult with Academic Senate Chair Lynn Williams and the Senate Executive Committee on the shared governance process that is applicable to projects of this nature. Attached to my campus message was information about the project from Vice President Matson, which includes the re-forestation plans included in the project, which will be of interest to you.
Again, thank you for sharing your concerns. It is caring faculty such as you who are Fresno State's greatest asset.

bennett bennett daniel day lewis patti stanger pasadena pasadena famu