http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/09/us/pioneer-cabin-tree-sequoia.html?_r=0 A giant ancient sequoia with a hollowed-out tunnel that drew thousands of visitors each year in California toppled over on Sunday during heavy rains, according to a nonprofit group. The Pioneer Cabin tree was “barely alive,” according to a volunteer at the Calaveras Big Trees State Park, about 90 miles east of Sacramento, and it was not immediately clear what would become of the sequoia. The base of the tree (there was no immediate information on its height) was carved out in the 1880s, and it became a tourist attraction. Cars, once they became common, were allowed to drive through it, but in recent years, the tunnel was accessible only to hikers on a 1.5-mile loop through the park, according to the United States Forest Service. “The storm was just too much for it,” the nonprofit group, the Calaveras Big Trees Association, said in a Facebook post that included two photos of the fallen tree.
That's such a shame! But very impressive that the tree stood for that long with a tunnel carved in it! I think they should re-purpose the wood if it's salvageable. Maybe build a new pioneer cabin where the old one was? I think that would do that tree some justice !
That would be one hell of a scrounge. What do you use for long overnight burns? Oak? Nope, 1000 year old sequoia.
It could take a month of weekends just processing into manageable pieces. Wonder how much fuel to cut and split that sucker... Wonder how they are on BTUs!
