A young woman vowed Wednesday to sit in the remains of the “Borders Tree” until she has guarantees it will not be cut down. Despite getting soaked by rain all day and being ordered down by the owners, she plans to continue her vigil in her high perch.

“I don’t think there’s anybody in Kansas who knows how to get me down from here,” said Sihka, who wouldn’t reveal her age and said she doesn’t have a last name. “I don’t think they’re used to these tactics around here.”

¢See 6News report¢See earlier story¢Read property owner’s notice to vacate tree (pdf).¢Read Kaya Preservation Society’s letter of support (pdf).

Sihka climbed the tree at 10 p.m. Tuesday, hours after workers cut all the branches off the tree near Eighth and Rhode Island. The 40-foot tall trunk of the tree remains; Sihka harnessed herself into a crook near the top of the trunk and slept overnight in the tree, covered by a tarp and some blankets.

The tree has long been an icon for those opposed to the “corporatization” of Lawrence. Sources said a multiuse building, which could include both retail and office space and apartments, was planned for the site.

Sihka had other ideas.

“I think it should be a peace park,” she said, “instead of a parking lot.”

By late afternoon, there were three tents stationed under the tree and a handful of people on the ground who said they would continue to support her.

¢“Sihka” tells why she climbed the tree (620K).¢“T.J.” tells why he wants to save the tree (620K).¢“Will” tells why he thinks the tree should be saved (340K).

For more on this story, see the 6News report at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Sunflower Broadband’s cable Channel 6 and pick up a copy of Thursday’s Journal-World.