University moves in on tree-sitters

BERKELEY, Calif., Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Arborists hired by the University of California took apart some of the platforms used by tree-sitters on the Berkeley campus Tuesday.

The arborists threw supplies from the platforms down to the ground and cut some of the ropes holding them up, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. One unoccupied platform was completely dismantled.

The university wants to build a sports training facility where the grove of California oaks and redwoods now stands outside Memorial Stadium. Three lawsuits, including one filed by the city of Berkeley, are still pending.

A university official told the Chronicle the protest, which began in December 2006, is now "just a hardcore few." But Erik Eisenberg, a member of the tree-sitters' ground crew, was angry about the dismantling.

"They've made things less safe and less sanitary," he said. "All they're trying to do is harass and intimidate us."

Three people were in the trees Tuesday morning, including one who had fastened himself to a tree with a lock box.