We write to urge the UCR administration to remove the big letter C from the mountain east of the campus. No other solution can realistically stop the destruction of the natural habitat along the C trail.
Until two decades ago, this side of Box Springs Mountains used to be a beautiful piece of wilderness and a wonderful resource for the whole neighborhood, UCR included. Now, it's unrecognizable: graffiti and litter everywhere, with the "trail" itself being now a wide swath of land - well over 50 feet wide in places -- completely stripped off vegetation, and eroding away. Wildlife is gradually disappearing too.
Box Springs Mountain Park is a wildlife preserve, with tens of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, beautiful scenery, and (still) plenty of wildlife - all within an easy walk from the campus. This is UCR's real treasure, not a yellow-painted concrete eyesore. And it desperately needs protection.
Some say that the big C is a symbol and part of UCR's identity. In reality, the big C does not symbolize anything related to UCR; it is a copy of the big letter C above UC Berkeley. UCR has its own history, character and identity. It does not have to imitate others.
The current situation is not sustainable.
As the campus continues to grow, foot traffic along the trail will only increase and habitat degradation will accelerate,
as it has been in the last 10 years. Half measures will not accomplish much; for example, occasional
clean-up efforts in the past, while well-intentioned, have done more harm than good.
The only realistic solution is to remove the C altogether.
Take it down, clean the place up, and let the mountain heal.
To add your name to this petition, send me an email, by clicking the link below. Give your name and city. If you are affiliated with UCR, state whether you are a student, staff or faculty.