A combined group of individuals from Eco-Justice, the Wetland Preservation Organization, KU Environs, and the First Nations Student Association gathered on the front lawn of Strong Hall to raise awareness, get students to sign petitions, and get the attention of the KU administration. Combines with the signatures that WPO had gotten all around the Haskell Indian Nations University campus, the combined signature count was around 1,300!

While delivering the petitions and a short history of Haskell, KU, and the Wakarusa Wetlands, the presidents of Eco-Justice, WPO and FNSA along with two Haskell students unexpectedly held a meeting with the new KU Chancellor and KU spokewoman Lynn Bretz. The meeting lasted for around an hour and we were able to discuss the history, our group's connections to the issue, the South Lawrence Trafficway, and the reasons why we care. We also discussed tangible requests that are groups were making of the administration such as giving responsibility for the 20 acres to someone at KU which we can continue to talk to about future possibilities.

Here are some links to the media coverage:

University Daily Kansan - http://www.kansan.com/news/2009/nov/03/demonstrators-hope-stop-wetland-road-talks/

http://www.kansan.com/news/2009/nov/02/protect-wetlands/?news

Lawrence Journal World - http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2009/nov/02/trafficway-opponents-seek-ku-roadblock/

Capitol Journal World - http://cjonline.com/news/state/2009-10-29/wetlands_rally_slated_at_ku

Baker Orange - http://www.thebakerorange.com/news/university-of-kansas-rally-fights-construction-through-wetlands-1.2052577