Dear Editor:

Several years ago, I visited North Georgia College and State University to present a seminar in biology. During the course of my visit, Dr. Jim Parker took me out to see Hurricane Creek. I am a forest community ecologist/mycologist by training, and I’ve taught courses in field biology, general botany, plant morphology, tropical biology, mycology, plant ecology and forest ecology. I’ve always made a special effort over my career to incorporate field studies/laboratory exercises in my classes, and I know for a fact that this field experience has been important in shaping the career choice of a number of my students. I was impressed with the educational potential of what I observed at Hurricane Creek, and as a grants coordinator at my former university, Dr. Parker and I even discussed what opportunities might exist to obtain grant funding to expand/improve the site. Later, I provided input for an undergraduate research project carried out by one of his students. The Hurricane Creek site provides a nice mix of ecosystems for all kinds of projects. However, this would not be the case—and virtually all of the educational potential would be lost—if it is converted to a pine plantation. I am certain that the individuals whose efforts were involved in acquiring the property for the university never had this in mind. In short, based on my own observations and experiences elsewhere, I feel very strongly that Hurricane Creek should remain a natural field study site and not be destroyed by converting it to a pine plantation.

Dr. Steven L. Stephenson

Research Professor

Department of Biological Sciences

University of Arkansas