Column: In the land of giant sequoias, the largest tree in the world gets a checkup
LA TimesRoughly around the time of the Han Dynasty and just prior to the beginning of the Roman Empire, a tree began growing at an elevation of roughly 7,000 feet in what became known as the southern Sierra Nevada. “I can’t remember the years the Lakers won the championship, but I can remember going to see the redwoods.” Wendy Baxter, top left, and plant physiological ecologist Anthony Ambrose, both with the Ancient Forest Society, climb the General Sherman tree. “We’ve recorded 40 large Sequoia deaths” in just a few years, said Christy Brigham, chief of resources management and science for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. When the tree doctors had completed the General Sherman’s physical exam, they scaled back down to earth to share the results with park officials, forest service representatives and other interested parties, including the Save the Redwoods League “I have good news to report,” said Ambrose. that has not existed for the last couple of thousand years,” said Clay Jordan, 62, superintendent at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
History of this topic
California’s Giant Sequoias Are in Big Trouble
Wired
Fire creeps closer to ancient sequoias, reaching Trail of 100 Giants
LA Times
Sequoia National Park’s General Sherman tree, one of largest in the world, still safe amid growing wildfire
LA Times
California wildfire threatens world’s largest tree – 275ft General Sherman
The Independent
World’s largest trees under siege from California wildfire as sequoias face new perils
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