314-acre site in Florida is dedicated as Chornobyl Memorial Forest (04/28/96)

314-acre site in Florida is dedicated as Chornobyl Memorial Forest

by Natalia Warren
Special to The Ukrainian Weekly

OCKLAWAHA, Fla.- In recognition of the 10th anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster, a 314-acre site in Marion County Florida was designated the Chornobyl Memorial Forest. The March 29 commemoration included a tree-planting ceremony and a performance by Kyiv bandurist Mykola Lytwyn.

At the dedication, a message from Ukraine's ambassador to the U.S., Dr. Yuri Shcherbak, was delivered by the Embassy's first secretary, Dr. Yaroslav Voitko. "By these solemn acts you pay tribute to the innocent victims of the catastrophe that not only caused deaths and suffering in Ukraine and neighboring countries, but also revealed to the world the criminal character of the Soviet regime which for a long time tried to hide the truth from its people," wrote Dr. Shcherbak.

"Today's Chornobyl Memorial Forest Inauguration gives a hope for the future to those who survived this horrible disaster, and a promise that by our joint efforts we can make this world a better place to live," the ambassador underlined.

Dr. Voitko also noted that the "the first lesson of Chornobyl is what happens when state-of-the-art technology gets out of control in a totalitarian state."

Dan Smith, director of communications for American Forests, read a letter from U.S. Vice-President Al Gore, who commended the organizers of the event for "recognizing and honoring the victims of this terrible tragedy."

American Forests, a Washington-based national conservation organization for trees and forests, was founded in 1825. The Chornobyl Memorial Forest was created through the efforts of American Forests working in partnership with the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and the Chornobyl Committee of Washington.

Also present at the dedication ceremony was former UNA Supreme President Joseph Lesawyer, whose efforts on behalf of all Ukrainians worldwide were warmly acknowledged.

Taras Harper, president of the Ukrainian Project Fund, which has sent medical supplies to victims of the Chornobyl disaster, recalled a trip he took two years ago to the stricken area. While in Ukraine he said he met with many adult victims as well as orphans. "When you look at these trees," he implored the hushed listeners, "if there is one thing you can remember, let it be the children."

Also speaking at the dedication ceremony was Chrystia Sonevytsky, who coordinates the American Forests Global ReLeaf International Program. After requesting a moment of silence for the victims of the tragedy, she explained that similar events would be taking place in seven other American cities, as well as in their sister cities in Ukraine. Those cities are: Chicago and Kyiv; Sonoma, Calif., and Kaniv; Irondequot, N.Y., and Poltava; Santa Cruz, Calif., and Alushta; Oskalousa, Iowa, and Shpola; Cincinnati and Kharkiv; and Kent, Ohio, and Kherson.

Other speakers included former lieutenant governor of Florida and SJRWMD board member Jim Williams, whose family once farmed the 314 acres; and Kathy Chinoy, board member, and Henry Dean, executive director, of the SJRWMD.

After the ceremony, all participants were invited to plant long-leaf pine seedlings. Dr. Voitko and Mr. Lesawyer planted the first seedling. Dr. Voitko also assisted in planting one of 13 live oaks that stand at the entrance to the site.

At the urging of Dr. Voitko, the tree planting was followed by a seemingly unplanned bandura performance by Mr. Lytwyn. After each piece, Dr. Voitko explained its significance to the participants, who formed a circle around the kobzar.

The first piece is "a requiem for the land, for those who died and continue to suffer," explained Dr. Voitko. The second piece, dedicated to Ukraine, "is about the tortures Ukraine underwent at the hands of tsars and communists; now radiation is adding to each wound," he added. The third, "Arise Ukraine," asks Ukraine "to join the family of European nations," he concluded.

The St. Johns River Water Management District had planted 157,000 long-leaf pine seedlings earlier this year on the former melon field. At one time long-leaf pine ecosystems flourished throughout the southeastern United States. Today, less than 3 percent remain. According to Steve Miller, land management coordinator for the SJRWMD, the site, cleared and converted to agriculture in the past, is ideal for restoration.

Mr. Miller also noted that the site was chosen for its accessibility. "Because the site is adjacent to a paved road (464-C), people will be able to view its progress as time passes. People will want to come here and pay respects," he said.

The forest will undergo a prescribed burn in two years. The fire, which under natural circumstances probably would be caused by lightning, will have a twofold effect. First, it will destroy a fungus that frequently inhibits the growth of young long-leaf pine, causing the tree to remain in an undeveloped grass stage. Second, it will help release nutrients into the sandy soil where long-leaf pine grows.

In 20 years the trees, which were planted in long and even rows, will be selectively harvested to promote their health and create a more natural and irregular pattern.

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