The SCVN Friday hikes on Mt. Lemmon began June 3rd. Part of the hike was on the Meadow trail, which goes through a pine thicket that includes some very large Douglas Firs. On May 4th a 100 feet tall Douglas Fir crashed across the Meadow trail.
Tree ring experts at the University of Arizona estimate the tree was over 300 years old. There had recently been strong winds on the mountain, but it’s still anyone guess that this towering tree toppled. This tree was still relatively young compared to the largest Douglas Fir on Mt. Lemmon, which dates back to the year 1320.
A temporary trail now goes around the fallen tree.
A Forest Service volunteer has begun cutting away large limbs and a large section of the trunk, which will allow hikers to follow the original trail.
Images and video by kenne
Fallen Douglas Fir On Mt. Lemmon Video
