Rolling sequoia: Idaho tree tied to John Muir set for move
Plans are to move it two blocks away to city property.
“We’ve all got our fingers crossed that the tree is going to make it to its new location,” said Mary Grandjean, the granddaughter of an Idaho forester who received the sequoia seedlings from Muir around 1912.
St. Luke’s Health System is doing more than hoping. It’s spending $300,000 to move the largest sequoia in the state, rather than chopping it down and risking a public relations backlash.
“We understand the importance of this tree to this community,” said Anita Kissie, spokeswoman for the hospital. Cutting it down “was never even an option.”
Even the tree company hired to do the move is feeling the pressure to keep the 98-foot tree upright as it travels about two blocks over about 12 hours to its new home. More here.
