A nature activist has set up camp in a tree marked for destruction to make way for the Shepard to Rollins Trail and plans to stay there until work is halted.

Sutu Forte, of It’s Our Wild Nature, climbed the Red Oak located on the group’s property Monday night in an easement seized by the city through eminent domain. Construction is slated to begin later this week or early next week on the controversial 10-foot-wide concrete trail and accompanying bridges through the group’s property, part of the Hinkson Creek Trail.

“They can’t cut this tree down,” Forte said. “I am here until they agree to stop the trail. I want people to contact the city council and the mayor. Come up and bring a banner, bring a sign and take an hour and stand at the end of this cul de sac in front of Purity Brother, which is the name of this tree we are in.”

The planned trail would connect an existing trail along Hinkson Creek that ends just south of Broadway with the eastern terminus Rollins Road. The trail would create a connection for pedestrians and bicyclists crossing from Old 63 to the East Campus neighborhood, the University of Missouri and downtown.

City spokesman Steve Sapp said officials were made aware early Tuesday of Forte’s protest and fear for her well-being in anticipation of winter weather moving into the area.

“We really appreciate Sutu’s passion in wanting to preserve a natural area and that is our goal as well,” Sapp said. “We are very concerned for her safety and health right now. We understand it’s about 25 feet up on a pallet with a tarp over it, a dangerous climb, and with weather moving in getting down into the 20s with rain and some precipitation.”

Asked if she would be forcibly removed, Sapp said Forte should voluntarily abide by the court’s order and come down.

“We are just hopeful she won't stay up there and put her health and safety in jeopardy.” Sapp said. “I think that (forced removal) is a decision we will have to make as construction progresses. I haven't been to the site or talked to the contractor, so I don’t know if it’s an area we can avoid in the initial phase of construction or something right in the way the very first day.

“If it is something that has to be taken care of the very first day, we will have to make a decision as to what type of enforcement action we need to take. At this point, we haven't made a decision on that.”

Forte is adamant she is not going anywhere until construction is halted. Equipped with a tent, sleeping bags, food and water in the 60-year-old oak, she says her resolve and her commitment to keeping the area in its natural state is absolute. She also has a thick logging chain nearby in anticipation of tying herself to the tree “if necessary.”

“They (the trees) are my friends,” Forte said. “We have a relationship with this land, these trees and these animals. This is their home. People have forgotten about the wild. I really am here to speak for the animals and the land.”

Brian Johnstone, who lives on Bluffdale Drive, brought Forte a hot cup of coffee Tuesday morning to warm her after a night of temperatures in the mid-30s. He says he, and many others support her and will be there to help her out in the struggle.

“I’ll be checking on her definitely, to make sure she has what she needs to stay warm and dry,” Johnstone said. “It’s a Sutu thing. She has been reading up on civil disobedience and how effective it is in other cities and states. I guess she’s bringing it here to Missouri and Columbia.”

After It’s Our Wild Nature opposed the construction of a paved walking and cycling trail through their 35-acre parcel near Bluffdale Drive, the city acquired the easement through eminent domain ordered by Circuit Judge Jeff Harris. His decision was upheld by Western District Court of Appeals. A jury trial is set for Sept. 30, 2020 to decide what the city will pay for the easement.

The group, which has allowed public use of the land for hiking and nature activities, says it is one of the few remaining wild areas left in the city and should remain as such. On Oct. 21, members delivered a petition to the city council bearing 1,157 signatures and requesting a halt to the project.

Sapp responded last week the work would continue as planned beginning on Nov. 4. The group anticipates it will begin Nov. 1, and is preparing for the arrival of heavy equipment and the removal of more than 40 trees in the right of way.

“I’m not coming down and they will have to deal with that,” Forte said.

ppratt@columbiatribune.com

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