Sounds in Stadium Woods come and go.
There is serenity, with chirping of birds and rustling in the trees. Then there is the noise of throngs of Virginia Tech fans surging through on their way to watch the Hokies play.
The debate over the future of the patch of old forest has mimicked that. And now, even as a thorough stewardship plan has finally been released, there remains a seed of potential contention: The plan does not include wording to preserve the woods permanently.
The hubbub surrounding the much-discussed 11-acre old-growth forest, which gained national headlines when Tech planned to cut some of it down in 2011, had shifted into a quiet phase.
Last month, the university unveiled the plan for preserving the woods. It will aid in shaping Tech’s master plan vision, which will include action to preserve the woods’ health.
