Efforts Underway to Replace Fallen Legend
1/27/96
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Efforts under way to replace fallen legend
January 27, 1996
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) -- A fallen 300-year-old
Sitka spruce, the stuff of legend and science, cannot be saved but a major
effort has begun to regenerate it and perhaps begin anew.
The towering mutant's golden needles drew tourists from afar and provided
Haida with spiritual sustenance for generations.
But last week it was cut down by a man who left a rambling message "of
rage and hatred towards university-trained professionals."
The outrage touched everyone, including traditional foes such as forest
giant MacMillan Bloedel, upon whose area-licence the tree grew,
and the Haida natives, who claim the Queen Charlottes as their homeland.
"Generations of Haida have heard the story of the tree and consider it a
sacred member of our family," Haida administrator Ernie Collison said
Monday. "It's a major loss to our culture and our people feel violated."
A group of Haida elders planned a trek to the fallen tree to offer prayers
and sing songs.
The conifer soared to 52 meters and was about two meters in diameter, but
its uniqueness was in the stunning golden hue of its needles, believed to
be caused by a lack of chlorophyll. The tree was among the tallest golden
Sitka spruce trees in the world and one of only a handful living anywhere.
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