Santa Cruz, CA -- Over four hundred days ago, a handful of activists climbed up into the trees on Science Hill as a symbol of resistance to the University of California's plan to destroy 120 acres of campus forest. For the past 13 months, the tree sit has drawn attention to UCSC's plan to develop upper campus in a way that activists say is, "without regard for the welfare of one of Santa Cruz's last wild ecosystems."

On December 13th at approximately 8:00am, the tree sit drew to a close as police seized control of Science Hill, arresting one tree sitter. Later, a tree cutting company hired by the university cut down a grove of 100 year old redwood trees to make way for construction of a Biomedical building. At 2:00pm, tree sitters and tree sit supporters held a press conference at the base of campus.

The three clusters of redwoods which have now been clearcut were inhabited since November 7, 2007, when over 500 students, alumni, and community members rallied in opposition to the University's Long Range Development Plan. Read More

Initial Report | Photos | More Photos | Audio and Photos: Final Press Conference