05-15-08: UNCW housing project moves ahead

Crews began clearing 13 acres of longleaf forest on the UNCW campus this morning for a controversial new dormitory project.

There were no protestors visible around the site just after 9 a.m., and the only overt sign of the controversy that has surrounded the project was the presence of University of North Carolina Wilmington police on every corner.

Those opposed to the project would prefer to see the 660-bed dormitory and associated parking deck built elsewhere on campus, preferably in an area that's already been cleared.

But school officials said the site across from the School of Education offers the best combination of proximity to the rest of campus and least impact on the school's nearly 170-acre forest.

So far opponents of the project have been unable to stop it, losing a legal attempt Monday to secure an temporary injunction against the clearing work.

They recently raised the question of whether the school would be in violation of the multinational Migratory Bird Treat Act if the clearing work took place during nesting season, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is understood to be closely watching the situation. But school officials said earlier this week that they are confident they aren't in violation of the treaty, since it's meant to stop the exploitation of migratory birds, not legal clearing and logging work.

UNCW officials also note that they have responded to concerns about the project's effects on the forest's wildlife by setting up fencing to steer critters that couldn't leave the site on their own, such as birds and bigger animals, into traps for relocation.

To date officials have relocated 261 millipedes, 77 wolf spiders, 56 frogs and toads, 9 skinks, 5 anoles, 2 patent-leather beetles, a snake and a box turtle.

Gareth McGrath: 343-2384

gareth.mcgrath@starnewsonline.com