In a move to further isolate the four remaining tree sitters in the grove near Memorial Stadium, this morning arborists contracted by the campus began removing certain branches that they say the the sitters used to travel from tree to tree.

Dan Mogulof, the campus’ executive director of public affairs, said the campus has no plans to extract any tree sitters at this time. Supporters of the tree-sit said the arborists, who are being lowered into the trees from cranes, did remove some of the gear and platforms the tree sitters use.

When the campus attempted to remove some tree sitters earlier in the summer, a number were able to evade capture by moving to other trees in the grove. By removing the branches, Mogulof said the campus hopes to isolate the four tree sitters, who are all currently in a single redwood, and prevent them from leaving that tree if the campus makes another attempt to remove them.

“(We will) continue to make things difficult, but not dangerous, for the tree sitters,” Mogulof said.

However, UC Berkeley senior Marcella Sadlowski, a supporter of the tree-sit, said she felt the lives of the tree sitters were in danger.

“Someone will be hurt because of UCPD’s arrogance,” she said. “The bigger picture here is that people’s lives are on the line.”