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View Full Version : "The Senator", historical 3,500 year old cypress destroyed



WingedMonkey
01-17-2012, 15:38
A popular stop along the Florida Trail and a must see visit for locals and tourists, "The Senator", a historical 3,500 year old cypress tree (probably the world's oldest) was destroyed by fire early Monday morning.

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-01-16/news/os-senator-cypress-tree-fire-20120116_1_big-tree-park-arson-general-hutchinson-parkway

Ladyofthewoods
01-17-2012, 16:11
This makes me very sad. Good, good, ole' tree. A tree gives such comfort, strength and dignity to a soul in need.

rocketsocks
01-17-2012, 18:37
WM,thanks for reporting,I did not know there was a tree that big in Florida!Thought California had that market.Cool

rocketsocks
01-17-2012, 18:40
Incidentally,when in 1st grade,and we had a production of "The Wizard of OZ"I was the king of the Winged Monkey,but I'm sure there's no relation.:D

moytoy
01-17-2012, 18:53
thanks WM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EsPZ0zVF3k
Very sad

Transient Being
01-17-2012, 19:40
Sad...There used to be millions of trees like this, I thought they were all gone....I guess they are now. Wish I would have seen it while it was still alive.

WingedMonkey
01-17-2012, 21:08
The reason that there is even a nature corridor there and development halted, or that the Florida Trail takes advantage of the green-way was because of that tree. Big Tree Park has become a starting point for local school children in the surrounding counties to even take a step into the woods.
Hopefully they will now focus on the other ancient cypress tree still standing and the park will be preserved. "Lady Liberty" about 40 feet from The Senator is estimated to be 2000 years old.

http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/parksrec/PassiveParksandBoatRamps/BigTreePark.aspx

Papa D
01-17-2012, 21:38
I saw the article this morning - very sad:

Hey, if any of you haven't seen the big trees in Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness, they are something to behold - not as big as the old Senator for sure but some are probably 500-600 years old - mainly the big poplars in Poplar Cove - some are 30' d.b.h. - I also know where there is a 25' d.b.h. Carolina Silver-bell and at least two (not kidding) virgin black cherry trees (Tipi Walter might not even know where these are).

WingedMonkey
02-29-2012, 16:02
Turns out it was arson after all. I knew something wasn't right. Some damn meth-head burned down a 3,500 year old tree.
Out of jail on less than $6000 bail.

Be a shame if lightning hits her house.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-sara-barnes-arson-fire-senator-tree-20120229,0,3208653.story

moocow
02-29-2012, 16:37
Turns out it was arson after all. I knew something wasn't right. Some damn meth-head burned down a 3,500 year old tree.
Out of jail on less than $6000 bail.

Be a shame if lightning hits her house.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-sara-barnes-arson-fire-senator-tree-20120229,0,3208653.story



i wish cases like these were treated with the same respect as when a tree company accidentally cuts down the wrong tree. i'm sure its not the case in all states but when i worked at a tree service in mass. the company would be forced to replace the tree with one of equal value as cost is estimated by the tree warden. i know this tree is priceless but a $6000 bail is inexcusable.