The fate of Toomer's Corner is on its way to being decided.
The "Future of Rolling Toomer's Corner" committee met Tuesday afternoon at the Auburn Alumni Center to finalize its recommendation to University President Jay Gogue regarding what should be done to replace the poisoned Toomer's Corner oaks.
After approximately an hour of discussion, the committee unanimously voted to recommend the poisoned oaks be replaced with one or two large, live trees and that a temporary solution for the rolling tradition be developed by an interim committee.
"Again, I remind you, we're not making the decision," said Debbie Shaw, committee chairperson. "We're just making the recommendation. Dr. Gogue makes the decision."
The recommendation was made after reviewing the results of a December survey asking people what should be done to replace the trees.
The survey, which involved 1,232 people, included five options: replant small oak trees at the corner; replant large oak trees at the corner; build a permanent structure in the intersection--like arches spanning the streets--and move the rolling tradition from the corner into the intersection; construct an artificial tree or other structure at the corner; or combine any of the previous options.
The survey also allowed respondents to write in their own comments and ideas.
The results of the survey showed 29.3 percent favoring the replanting of large oak trees and 31.01 percent favoring the construction of an artificial tree or monument.
Chris Piszczatoski, undeclared sophomore in science and math and student employee for Alumni Affairs, was in charge of reading and categorizing the responses to the survey, and he explained the results to the committee.
"A lot of people who voted for the trees are very, very opposed to any sort of structure, but it doesn't work the other way around," Piszczatoski said. "People who voted for the structures are OK with having a natural tree."
Discussion was also raised as to whether live oaks--the species of the original Toomer's oaks--were the best choice for the replacements.
"Part of the reason for the decline of the live oaks prior to the poisoning was the species and the condition and the abuse," said Gary Keever, professor of horticulture and committee member. "There's been a lot that those trees have been exposed to, and we've talked repeatedly about them being a species not particularly well adapted to this region. There are other species that would be far superior in that location than live oak."
Piszczatoski said most survey respondents did not specify the type of tree they wanted to see as a replacement.
"A lot of people didn't really have a preference to the type of tree that should replace it," Piszczatoski said. "They just want a big tree to replace. A couple people said we should get something other than live oaks, but again, that was maybe 20 people had that kind of voice."
Keever said the poison could remain in the ground for five to seven years. He also said it could take the transplanted trees three to five years to establish themselves in their new location.
Shaw said she does not know how long it will take for Gogue to make a final decision regarding the fate of Toomer's Corner. Shaw also said it was not certain the same committee would be in charge of developing a temporary rolling recommendation.
Options for Toomer's rolling alternative:
Option 1: Replant small oak trees in the same location as the current trees, which eventually will grow large enough for future generations to roll.
Option 2: Replant one or two very large oak trees, which could be rolled within a few years of the roots taking hold.
Option 3: Move the rolling tradition to the intersection of Toomer's by building a professionally designed, permanent structure for rolling.
Option 4: Design an artificial tree or structure to replace the current oaks as a permanent option.
Option 5: Combine any of the above options.
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