Students to Save Robinson Forest.

In the early 1980s, the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees began considering a proposal to mine in Robinson Forest in order to generate revenue for the university. Students to Save Robinson Forest was formed as a response to this plan. The forest, which is comprised of over 14,000 acres in Eastern Kentucky, was deeded to the university in 1923 by E. O. Robinson; in 1930, he gave the university the coal and mineral rights. In both cases, it was noted that the land was to be used for research and education.

Students to Save Robinson Forest was organized in January/February of 1982 with Ann Phillippi and Rich Zimmerman acting as co-presidents. The group's constitution states that it will "call attention to the legal, financial, ethical and moral conflicts associated with the proposed mining of Robinson Forest." The group held its first public meeting on February 25, 1982 and soon became the largest student group on campus. The group achieved a measure of success in 1983, when the Board of Trustees decided against the mining project in Robinson Forest. However, the language of their decision left the door open for other mining projects to be discussed in the future. On February 15, 1984, a permanent Robinson Forest display was dedicated on UK's campus with the purpose of informing future generations about the value of the forest and the struggles to preserve it.

On several occasions since its 1983 decision, the Board of Trustees has considered mining proposals within the forest, and each time Students to Save Robinson Forest has regrouped in order to protest.

From the description of Students to Save Robinson Forest records, 1981-1984. (University of Kentucky Libraries). WorldCat record id: 213415074