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SDSU Frats Could Infringe On South Dakota State Arboretum

BROOKINGS, S.D. (AP) — The expansion of fraternities and sororities at South Dakota State University could threaten a pristine swath of trees.

Planning documents approved earlier this month by the state Board of Regents include potential housing lots in the South Dakota State Arboretum. The collection of tree species was paid for by donors and planted for academic purposes.

Retired horticulture instructor Norm Evers designed the 45-acre arboretum decades ago and tells the Argus Leader newspaper ( ) that it should be treated like a museum and given protection.

SDSU officials say there are no immediate plans to develop the sites. Associate vice president Doug Wermedal says even if student housing is built on the lots, the university could move the trees or build around them.

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Information from: Argus Leader,