Giant Sequoia Fall

Two Giant Sequoia trees that fell in September at the Trail of 100 Giants grove. The public was invited to view the trees on October 22, 2011 and provide input regarding the future of the trail the trees fell onto. The two trees had grown together at the base, and the tree diameter was approximately 17 feet, with a height of 300 feet. The trees in this grove are approximately 1500 years old.

A handful of visitors to the park actually witnessed the trees falling, and some tourists from Germany were able to shoot a few seconds of video as the trees fell, which can also be found on Youtube.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Giant
• Sequoia
• Trail
• of
• 100
• Giants
• Redwood
• trees
• forest
• fall
• park
• mountain
• national

[AntPorr]

Only someone who has never been to the Giant Forest could comment that they are "just trees."

The Americans With Disabilities Act will probably cause the trees to be removed as they have fallen onto the path itself.

Keep your cynicism to yourself.

[n2citrus]

@AntPorr I agree...these trees are over 1500 years old, 17 feet in diameter and 300 feet tall. These are definitely not "just trees". The most likely solution is to simply create a path next to the trees or perhaps cut out the section laying on the path. Not sure where the 3 million dollar estimate came from, as it should not cost that much to cut out a section and remove it, and the paved section is just a short path made of asphalt. I suppose time will tell.

[n2citrus]

@AntPorr Here is an update:

Officials plan to build an elevated boardwalk over the two giant sequoias that fell Sept. 30. The elevated boardwalk will connect the trail from the remaining northernmost bridge on the south side of the fallen sequoias to the existing trail on the east side. It would be built to allow all visitors, including those with disabilities, to safely see and touch the fallen sequoias.

[etiawr]

Thumbs up if your favorite part is @ .33 seconds. :)

[joelspe]

Considering this is in California AND in a National Forest, it should only be about 15 years of bureaucracy and cost about 3 million dollars in panels and hearings before they figure out what to do.

[twistymcslide2]

but did anyone hear it ??????

[yellowman88]

that will take like 100 years to decompose LOL.

[usnusa2003]

Saw it

[stuckwithnumbers467]

heres a cheap idea get a chainsaw cut a hole through it and cover the sides so you dont have to watch it rot remember though its just a thought

[slipperystudios]

@Duckonice1 - These trees I wouldn't say are insanely important but I have been to Sequoia and it is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. It is historical since it is rare for a Sequoia tree to fall especially in a populated area. Because of their absolutely massive size and strength it is rare for a Sequoia to fall. But like I said, if you ever get the chance to go to Sequoia, Kings Canyon, or Yosemite, these trees are amazing to see. It is something you would never forget.

[fredghostkyle]

very cool, this is amazing!

[kep6048cq]

@AntPorr

They should leave them exactly where they are. Build a nice wide bridge over the trees. Gradually making the incline on the bridge to accommodate everyone. One doesn't fill in a swamp or move it...they build a walk bridge over it. I experienced a nice walk bridge through a swamp reserve, the bridge was made

from recycled plastics! It was very, very interesting. My only thought was, does the plastic leach into the environment or is it safe?

[AdventureSworn]

I agree with TheSonglvr, just turn it into a walking path. I think it would be an awesome part of the trail, walking along a fallen sequoia... that's something you can't do everywhere. If needed (for the less agile community I suppose) put in a small step ladder to get on top of it, maybe a bridge across the broken sections.

[ws6transam84]

Tell you what to do: Cut the tree into 8-inch thick discs, turn them into Texas Holdem poker tables, and auction them off to raise funds for the federal forest system. You'd make a bundle and it'd more than pay for the disposition of the trees. Probably net enough revenue to run the whole park for months, and the tree would live on as fine furniture for another couple hundred years or longer.