A man occupying a tree in an area that soon will become a new $24.5 million golf complex in New Orleans City Park is hoping his actions will get park officials' attention, his friends said Tuesday (March 17).

The protester, known as "Lloyd," is holding a large white flag that says, "Wild Is Free." He's been in the tree since Friday.

According to his friend, Twila Hoyle, Lloyd is in the tree because "it's something he has to do for his spirit. Lloyd is a native New Orleanian and is very concerned about what's been happening in the city," she said.

"Heart," another protester, was in the tree with Lloyd but she left Tuesday afternoon.

Friends have come and gone to visit Lloyd since Friday, and he's provided daily updates through Facebook. He's got a cell phone with him and a solar-powered charger, Hoyle said. "I really have a lot of admiration for him," she said. "A lot of people have complained, but he is actually doing something. It's all he can do."

The former golf course between Harrison and Filmore Avenues has been an open space for almost 10 years. The course flooded in Hurricane Katrina, and since then has been used by the public for dog walking, jogging and bird watching.

Opponents of the project have said they are concerned about losing a natural space that's open to everyone, and the impact the development would have on wildlife that's since settled in the area. They also have questioned whether the golf course would make money.

A group called the City Park for Everyone Coalition, which is against the development, formed earlier this year. The group marched last week in the park in protest. Lloyd was not part of the group that marched. He already was in the tree -- inside a fenced off area on the planned course -- when the march started.

Park officials put a small fence around Lloyd's tree over the weekend, which some said they thought was an attempt to keep people from bringing him food and water. They also brought in a large light to shine on him at night, friends said.

City Park CEO Bob Becker told WWL-TV the protesters were trespassing, but that they wouldn't be forced down.

Hoyle and Tony Sce said they would continue to go out to the tree to show support for their friend until he comes down. Sce was playing music for Lloyd on his iPad until the battery died Tuesday afternoon.

"It's more than just trying to stop something," Hoyle said. "I feel like this is something the city needs."

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