20160318 Legacy Report - Amazon Web Services · 5! Abstract&...

Swanton Pacific Ranch Legacy Trees

Swanton Pacific Ranch

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Written by Andrew Smith and Steve Auten 2012; revised by Brady Dubois 2015

View from the Base of Al’s Arch

2

Table of Contents Table of Figures……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4

Abstract………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………. 6

Goal…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 9

Methodology……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 9

Results ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 12

LT-‐1…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….. 13

LT-‐2 “Pitchfork” ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 14

LT-‐3 “Tuning Fork” ……………………………………………………………………………………………………15

LT-‐4 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 16

LT-‐5 “Can Opener a.k.a. Slug Hotel” ……………………………………………………………………….. 17

LT-‐6 “El Tenedor del Diablo” …………………………………………………………………………………… 18

LT-‐7…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……. 19

LT-‐8 “Thanks Emma” ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 20

LT-‐9 “Castle” …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 21

LT-‐10 “Lockheed Gambit” ……………………………………………………………………………………….22

LT-‐11 “T.V. Tree” …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 23

LT-‐12 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 24

LT-‐13……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 25

LT-‐14 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 26

LT-‐15 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 27

LT-‐16 “Lucky” ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 28

LT-‐17 “Al’s Arch” …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 29

LT-‐18 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 30

LT-‐19 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 31

LT-‐20 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..32

LT-‐21 “ ‘A’ for the day” …………………………………………………………………………………………. 33

LT-‐22…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 34

LT-‐23 “Moss Landing Citadel” ………………………………………………………………………………. 35

LT-‐24 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 36

LT-‐25 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 37

3

LT-‐26……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 38

Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 39

World Record Torreya Californica Obituary by Jim West …………………………………………………. 39

4

Table of Figures Figure 1. Turn of the Century clearcut in San Vicente Creek……………………………………………………7 Figure 2. View from the base of "Can-‐Opener" with a red arrow showing the location of the "Slug Hotel"…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..8 Figure 3. Map of the high conservation value forests on Swanton Pacific Ranch…………………..10 Figure 4. 1-‐1/4" circular aluminum tag…………………………………………………………………………………11 Figure 5. View from below LT-‐1……………………………………………………………………………………………13 Figure 6. View from the base of LT-‐2………………………………………………………………………………..….14 Figure 7. Looking up at the fork in LT-‐3………………………………………………………………………………..15 Figure 8. View from below LT-‐4……………………………………………………………………………………………16 Figure 9. View from the base of LT-‐5……………………………………………………………………………………17 Figure 10. Looking at the multiple forks of LT-‐6……………………………………………………………………18 Figure 11. A large cavity seen at the base of LT-‐7…………………………………………………………………19 Figure 12. The enormous crown and trunk of LT-‐8, the only legacy Shreve oak……………………20 Figure 13. View of LT-‐9 from Little Creek Road…………………………………………………………………….21 Figure 14. Uphill view of LT-‐10…………………………………………………………………………………………….22 Figure 15. Full profile of LT-‐11……………………………………………………………………………………………..23 Figure 16. The exposed roots and base of LT-‐12…………………………………………………………………..24 Figure 17. Side view of LT-‐13………………………………………………………………………………………………..25 Figure 18. Looking up the stem of LT-‐14……………………………………………………………………………….26 Figure 19. View of LT-‐15 from upslope…………………………………………………………………………………27 Figure 20. Photo of LT-‐16 and all of its new growth………………………………………………………………28 Figure 21. View of LT-‐17 and its unique structure and arch…………………………………………………..29 Figure 22. Photo of LT-‐18, the largest Buckeye in California………………………………………………….30 Figure 23. From the goose-‐pen, looking up the base of LT-‐19……………………………………………….31 Figure 24. A view of the albino cluster on LT-‐20……………………………………………………………………32 Figure 25. Photo of the impressive diameter for the second growth LT-‐21 …………………………..33 Figure 26. Photo of LT-‐22, the only classified Douglas-‐fir………………………………………………………34 Figure 27. View of the immense size of LT-‐23……………………………………………………………………….35 Figure 28. A look at the fire scar on the base of LT-‐24…………………………………………………………..36 Figure 29. View of the unique top formation of LT-‐25 ………………………………………………………….37 Figure 30. A photo of the face-‐cut at the base of LT-‐25…………………………………………………………37 Figure 31. A look at the burned base of LT-‐26 ……………………………………………………………………..38

5

Abstract

The Swanton Pacific Ranch Legacy Tree report was created to identify, document, and protect legacy

trees as defined by the Swanton Pacific Ranch’s (SPR) old growth and legacy tree policy: “No old growth

or legacy trees live or dead will be harvested on lands of Swanton Pacific Ranch. Old growth and legacy

characteristic redwood trees can be described as being approximately 60 inches at DBH and were

present in the dominant overstory during the late successional stages of forest development of the first-‐

growth stands (pre 1800's). These trees have outward indicators such as platy bark with deep fissures,

basal hollows with fire scars of multiple ages, large complex branching structures, flat tops, and limbs at

least 8-‐10 inches in diameter that provide an opportunity for platforms/nesting. In very rare instances,

an old-‐growth or legacy tree might have to be cut for workplace or public safety issue.” See the link for

a copy of this policy: http://www.spranch.org/forest_management.ldml.

One stand of old growth on SPR has already been protected through Forest Stewardship Council®

(FSC®) certification in 2004 and the SPR Non-Industrial Timber Management Plan (NTMP) in 2008. This

Legacy Tree report finalizes protection of 26 other trees on Swanton Pacific Ranch. This includes 23

redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens), 1 Shreve oak (Quercus parvula var. shrevei), 1 California Buckeye

(Aeseculus californica), and 1 Douglash fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii). The 23 redwood

trees range from 56 inches to 158 inches in diameter with tree heights ranging from 88 feet to over 200

feet. The California Buckeye and the Shreve oak are the current State record holders for their

respective species.

6

Introduction

Swanton Pacific Ranch (SPR) is a 3,282 acre working ranch that also acts as an educational and research

facility managed by the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences from California

Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. The Ranch was donated to Cal Poly by Al Smith in 1993.

Al was a Cal Poly graduate, former mayor of Los Gatos, and founder of Orchard Supply Hardware. He

wanted to provide Cal Poly Students and faculty with a unique interdisciplinary environment to foster

the “learn by doing” philosophy forever.

One of the interdisciplinary environments at SPR is the working forest, comprising approximately 1,435

acres of redwood/Douglas-‐fir forest with smaller components of hardwoods, Monterey pine, and

Knobcone pine. The property is used for numerous research projects and educational opportunities and

has been actively managed since 1987. Property management is guided by the Non-‐industrial Timber

Management Plan (approved in 2008) and Forest Stewardship Council certification.

Swanton Pacific Ranch and the surrounding areas in Santa Cruz County have a long history of forestry

and agriculture dating back before the turn of the 20th century. Between 1905 and 1923 the area was

heavily logged by the San Vicente Lumber Company who clearcut most of the old growth trees in SPR’s

surrounding watershed. Environmental concerns and the resource values of massive old growth trees

were looked upon differently back then. Booming towns and cities needed resources to build, especially

places like San Francisco suffering from the 1906 earthquake. Figure 1 shows the aftermath of historical

clearcuts in the adjacent San Vicente Creek watershed. Very little timber was left standing after this

time period and the remaining timber was difficult to access and/or of poor quality. Portions of SPR

were logged again from 1950 – 1960 harvesting mostly Douglas-‐fir for split box products. The residual

old growth trees left behind, aside from already protected stands of old growth on SPR, are considered

very important both locally and regionally, and especially to Swanton Pacific Ranch.

7

Figure 1. Turn of the Century clearcut in San Vicente Creek.

In 2004 Swanton Pacific Ranch (SPR) applied for and received a “well managed” certification from the

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). FSC certification is a rigorous evaluation process requiring an audit of

lands and practices of a forest landowner. This audit evaluates the forest landowner against 10

Principles and Criteria (P&C) covering a variety of social, biological, and environmental componets. See

www.fsc.org for a copy of the P&C. Each year the forest landowner must go through an annual audit

and every five years a forest landowner must be re-‐certified against all 10 P&C again! Cal Poly was the

first forestry school in the Western United States to receive this distinctive honor.

Regarding Legacy Trees, Principle 6 specifically sets guidelines on environmental impacts; “Forest

management shall conserve biological diversity and its associated values, water resources, soils, and

unique and fragile ecosystems and landscapes, and, by so doing, maintain the ecological functions and

the integrity of the forest.” One specific requirement in Principle 6 is an excerpt from 6.3.f.a – “Legacy

trees where present are not harvested”.

8

Legacy trees provide an essential role in the ecosystem as habitat for many different kinds of wildlife

including but not limited to birds, bats, slugs (“Can Opener, a.k.a Slug Hotel”. Figure 2), and mammals.

The large limb structure that is often associated with these trees can provide ideal habitat for

endangered species such as the Marbled Murrelet. The large cavities and hollows are common place for

wood rats and bats.

Other benefits of Legacy Trees come from their aesthetic value mostly due to the massive size and

unique structure of each tree. These trees promote and preserve a piece of history from the region and

for Santa Cruz County. These legacy trees are historical road maps giving records of events such as fires

and droughts.

Figure 2. View from the base of "Can-‐Opener" with a red arrow showing the location of the "Slug Hotel".

9

Goal

The goal of the legacy tree report is to document and protect these 26 legacy trees on SPR forever.

Methodology

Specific criteria were set based on SPR’s “old growth and legacy tree policy” to evaluate whether or not

a tree should be designated as a Legacy Tree:

• Legacy trees must be at least 60-‐inches in diameter at breast height and exhibit platy and deeply

furrowed bark (*LT-‐20 was exempt from these requirements)

• Legacy trees should display basal hollows and fire scars of multiple ages

• Legacy trees should have large limbs approximately 8-‐10 inches in diameter or greater

• Legacy trees should be unique and historically significant (Pre-‐1800’s)

The location of most candidate legacy trees were known to SPR and others affiliated with the ranch.

Approximately 8 days of field exploration were spent re-‐locating these candidate trees and searching for

others candidates that might be unknown on the remainder of the property. This reconnaissance

included all of the forested area on Swanton Pacific and excluded the Second Growth Reserve, the

General Smith Stand, and the Valencia Creek Property (Figure 3).

10

Figure 3. Map of the high conservation value forests on Swanton Pacific Ranch.

Highway 1

Swanton Road

Little Creek Road

Little Creek

Winter Creek

Big Cre

e k

Mill

Creek

Scotts C

reek

Swanton Pacific RanchHigh Conservation Value Forest

Swanton Pacific RanchNRM Department

Cal Poly-SLODec. 2005

0 10.5Miles

LegendGeneral Smith Stand

Heritage Tree Stand

Monterey pine

Second Growth Reserve

SPR Forest

Highway 1

Paved Road

Unpaved Road

Railroad

Perennial Stream

Intermittent Stream

Ranch Boundary

Forest Areas

11

Field crews identified legacy tree candidates and then carried out the

following measurements and evaluations:

• Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) was measured on the uphill side of

the tree using a 100 foot loggers tape

• Tree height and Height to Crown Base (HTCB) were measured using

an Impulse LR 200 laser rangefinder

• Structural characteristics and uniqueness were evaluated such as fire scar, limb diameter, basal

cavities, platforms, buttressing, deeply fissured platy bark, estimated age, basal cavities, and

known history

If it was decided that the tree should be designated as a legacy tree, the following information on the

legacy tree was recorded:

• DBH, tree height, and HTCB were recorded

• A general description of the tree and its unique characteristics were recorded

• Garmin GPSmap 60CSx recorded its latitude and longitude

• The tree was marked with an LT number (e.g. LT-‐1 or Legacy Tree number) on both sides of a 1-‐

1/4” circular aluminum tag

• Expansive photo sets were also taken of each legacy tree

• Some trees were given names depending on the history of the tree and its unique values

• See Figure 5 for a location map of the 18 legacy trees on Swanton Pacific Ranch

Figure 4. 1-‐1/4" circular aluminum tag.

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Results

A total of 26 trees were selected for legacy tree status, 23 redwoods from 56-‐158 inches in Diameter at

Breast Height (DBH) with tree heights ranging from 88 to over 200 feet tall. One State record California

Buckeye tree and one State Record Shreve oak listed on the Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute web-‐site

(http://www.ufei.org/) under “Big Trees”. One large Douglas-‐fir, that was the largest of its species

found on SPR. The following results document specific information on each legacy tree.

13

LT-‐1 Species: Redwood

Diameter at Breast Height (DBH): 93.8”

Tree Height (TH): 148’

Height to Crown Base (HTCB):37’

Description: Legacy Tree 1 (LT-‐1) easily qualified based

on the criteria and displayed the ideal platy and

furrowed bark. It also exhibits large limbs, some of

which were in excess of 24 inches. The main stem

forks in two places at 43 feet and 62 feet from the

ground. There are multiple cavities at the base of the

tree including a second growth offshoot below DBH

that can be seen in Figure 5. These cavities are burnt

out and were most likely developed from successive

fires.

Figure 5. View from below LT-‐1.

14

LT-‐2 “Pitchfork” Species: Redwood

DBH: 91.6”

Height: 177’

HTCB: 33’

Description: Legacy Tree 2 has deeply furrowed bark

along the entire stem. Some unique structural

characteristics of this tree include a buttress coming off

the main stem at 35 feet as well as a fork in the main

stem at 36 feet. The limbs are medium sized with

diameters ranging from 6-‐10 inches with the exception

of the large buttress and two other limbs extending off

of the main fork. A large cavity is also present on this

tree and currently inhabits a large wood rat nest inside.

The name “pitchfork” was given because the top forks

into four different tops resembling a pitchfork.

Figure 7. overlapped photos of LT-‐2

Figure 6. View from the base of LT-‐2.

15

LT-‐3 “Tuning Fork” Species: Redwood

DBH: 125.5”

Height: 181’

HTCB: 64’

Description: Legacy Tree 3 is characterized by a large

burnt cat face on the trail side including platy and

furrowed bark. The diameter and height of this tree

make it one of the 4 largest legacy trees on the

property. Some of the structural characteristics that

make this tree unique include a buttress at 23 feet

and a fork top at 21 feet. These characteristics lend

itself to the name “tuning fork” given by local

ecological and botanical expert Jim West. Although

there are a few large limbs to provide potential

habitat, most of the tree is covered by small gnarled

limbs that create a densely closed canopy.

Figure 7. Looking up at the fork in LT-‐3.

16


DBH: 71.7”

Height: 118’

HTCB: 45’

Description: Legacy Tree 4 is moderately platy and becomes

less platy and increasingly hairy further up the tree. The bark

on the entire tree is deeply furrowed. The structure is less

unique then others because of its solid, cylindrical trunk

which curves at 65 feet up the bole of the tree. Most of the

limbs are medium sized with the exception of a couple

broken off larger limbs. There are also clusters of smaller

dead limbs growing out of this tree which are sometimes

called “witches brooms”. A cavity on the uphill side of the

tree has a large wood rat nest in the center.

Figure 8. View from below LT-‐4.

17

LT-‐5 “Can Opener a.k.a. Slug Hotel” Species: Redwood

DBH: 109.3”

Height: 154’

HTCB: 60’

Description: Legacy Tree 5 has mostly platy bark

with a component of 2nd growth bark on one of the

offshoots. The bark is also furrowed but with a

considerable amount of rot at the base. The main

stem forks into a large buttress at 45 feet and then

is broken off at 54 feet giving it the appearance of a

massive can opener. It has medium size limbs

averaging approximately 8 inches in diameter. The

slug hotel part of the name comes from the

presence of multiple large slug trails on the uphill

side of the tree that travel approximately 15 feet up

from the base to an opening seen in Figure 2.

Figure 9. View from the base of LT-‐5.

18

LT-‐6 “El Tenedor del Diablo” Species: Redwood

DBH: 158”

Height: 184’

HTCB: 66’

Description: Legacy Tree 6 has platy bark and is

deeply furrowed except on the uphill side of the

tree. The uphill side of the tree has a large burnt cat

face that travels up the face of the tree to the first

fork at approximately 30 feet. Another fork occurs at

45 feet up the tree giving it the appearance of a

triton fork, hence the name “El Tenedor del Diablo”,

which translates to the devils fork. A buttress is also

seen stemming from the base of the tree just above

the DBH adding to its massive diameter. El Tenedor

del Diablo is the largest redwood on the property

with a DBH of 158 inches.

Figure 10. Looking at the multiple forks of LT-‐6.

19


DBH: 124”

Height: 164’

HTCB: 60’

Description: Along with the platy bark structure

present on other Legacy trees, Legacy Tree 7 also

has an enormous open cavity that could easily fit

several people inside. A fork in the main stem can

be seen at 50 feet up with multiple large, gnarled

limbs present. Some limb diameters are in excess

of 3 feet. A massive poison oak stem is present on

the other side of this tree that and is

approximately 8 inches in diameter.

Figure 11. A large cavity seen at the base of LT-‐7.

20

LT-‐8 “Thanks Emma” Species: Shreve Oak

DBH: 77.6 inches

Height: 89 feet

Crown Width: 75 feet

Description: Legacy Tree 8 was

chosen because it is possibly one of

the largest Shreve oaks recorded in

California. It was originally thought

to be a Coast Live oak because of its

massive size and crown but upon

further review of specific

characteristics like leaf venation and

bark it was determined to be a

Shreve oak. The crown size and vigor

is one characteristic that makes this

tree so magnificent. The average width of the crown was measured at approximately 75 feet making

this Shreve oak almost as wide as it is tall. One possible explanation for its extreme growth is the

surrounding growing conditions; located on a very productive stream terrace and an area of suspected

Native American activity. Typically areas that have evidence of Native American activity produce rich,

productive soil often high in nutrients and organic matter. The main vegetation associated with the area

includes poison oak, California blackberry, and stinging nettle. The name “Thanks Emma” comes from

its location off of a trail that Emma McCrary designed and constructed towards the end of her trail

building career. She was known for building 100’s of miles of some of the most spectacular trails in

Santa Cruz County with her husband Bud McCrary.

Figure 12. The enormous crown and trunk of LT-‐8, the only legacy Shreve oak.

21

LT-‐9 “Castle” Species: Redwood

DBH: 72”

Height 208’

HTCB: 67’

Description: Legacy Tree 9 is also known as the “Castle” tree

because of its large forked limbs resembling spires on a

castle. The bark is not quite as platy as other legacy trees

but is deeply furrowed up the entire bole. The limbs are

large, long, and very low hanging as seen in the photo.

Although this trees diameter is not as grand as the other

legacy trees (only 72 inches) its height makes it the tallest

legacy tree on the property. The extraordinary height is

most likely due to its proximity to Little Creek, a constant

water source. There is a fork in the bole at 98 feet with two

main stems continuing up another 110 feet, adding to its

castle like appearance.

Figure 13. View of LT-‐9 from Little Creek Road.

22

LT-‐10 “Lockheed Gambit” Species: Redwood

DBH: 85.5”

Height: 102’

HTCB: 54’

Description: The base of Legacy Tree 10 was badly burnt

in the 2009 Lockheed fire leaving much of the tree

extremely charred. The downhill side of the tree’s base

has a hollowed out cavity while the uphill side of the tree

has a heavily burnt cat face. The limbs are quite large and

are characterized by one massive buttress extending out

towards Little Creek road and then bending upwards at a

90-‐degree angle. Because of its extremely burnt trunk

and evidence of dieback there was concern that the tree

might be significantly damaged following the Lockheed

Fire. The name “Lockheed Gambit” comes from its

survival of the 2009 Lockheed Fire. In part due to the

severity of burn, but also because it was scheduled for

removal by fire crews. The concern was that it might fall

on a heavily traveled seasonal road. SPR negotiated with

fire crews suggesting that the tree would likely survive

based on burn damage evaluation and that it was not tall

enough to hit the road. It remains to be seen whether SPR was right or not. Survival of LT-‐10 is a bit of a

gamble, making the name “Lockheed Gambit” somewhat fitting.

Figure 14. Uphill view of LT-‐10.

23

LT-‐11 “T.V. Tree” Species: Redwood

DBH: 148.7”

Height: 107’

HTCB: 47’

Description: Legacy Tree 11’s most notable features

include multiple large burls starting at the base and

extending up the bole in multiple locations. The

largest burl at the base of the tree is one of the main

reasons it has such a massive diameter. A burnt out

cavity can be seen approximately 15 feet up from the

base of the tree, starting just above the first burl. One

other unique addition to this tree is a set of broken

ladders attached to different parts of the stem leading

to the top of the tree. Although the ladder is definitely

not functional it actually helps tell the story of how and

why this tree was named the T.V. Tree. The story goes

that a few guys lived on the ranch in the 1950-‐60’s era

and one bet the other that if they put a T.V. antenna in

the top of this tree that they would get T.V. reception.

They bet a six pack of beer on it and one of the guys

spent weeks building the ladder all the way to the top of the tree. Finally making it to the top of the tree

he spent another few days putting up the antennae. Unfortunately for him the antennae did not work.

The bet was lost and the other guy was paid a six pack of beer.

Figure 15. Full profile of LT-‐11.

24


DBH: 84.5”

Height: 133’

HTCB: 50’

Description: Legacy Tree 12 has platy bark as well as

large exposed roots on the downhill side of the tree.

Overall it has relatively good form and structure with

very little defect except for a large cavity at the base of

the tree. The limb size ranges between 4 and 8 inches.

Figure 16. The exposed roots and base of LT-‐12.

25


DBH: 71”

Height: 145’

HTCB: 52’

Description: Legacy Tree 13 has a sizeable burnt out cavity

located at the base that extends up the tree about 20 feet

and includes a large wood rat nest inside. Along with platy

and furrowed bark, poison oak vines can be seen climbing

up each side of the tree. The large redwood limbs are

approximately 16 inches in diameter. It is suspected this

tree is preferred habitat for some species because it is the

tallest tree for one-‐half mile radially and it had a fresh barn

owl carcass at the base. It is suspected that the kill may

have occurred over territory between a great horned owl

and the barn owl. The barn owl lost in this case.

Figure 17. Side view of LT-‐13.

26


DBH: 88.7”

Height: 144’

HTCB: 63’

Description: Legacy Tree 14 was severely burned in the

Lockheed Fire with scorch heights reaching 85 feet. At

the base there is a massive cavity that looks more like a

cave with approximate dimensions of 4 feet in diameter

and 15 feet tall. It has medium sized, long limbs with

average diameters of about 8 inches that drape

downwards. There is a broken top at 79 feet, which

then forks into two separate stems extending upwards.

Figure 18. Looking up the stem of LT-‐14.

27


DBH: 61.9”

Height: 181’

HTCB: 103’

Description: Legacy Tree 15 is in close proximity to LT-‐14 and

was also severely burned. It has platy, heavily burnt bark with a

scorch height that reaches 68 feet. There are multiple medium

sized burls beginning at 30 ft. up from the base and continuing

up to a broken top at 77 feet. The entire bole is covered in knots

giving it an incredibly bumpy appearance. The limbs are

medium sized with average diameters of approximately 6-‐8

inches with evidence of larger limbs that have historically broken

off.

Figure 19. View of LT-‐15 from upslope.

28

LT-‐16 “Lucky” Species: Redwood

DBH: 86.5”

Tree Height: 166’

HTCB: None

Description: Legacy Tree 16 is one of the more unique old growth

redwood trees on Swanton Pacific Ranch because of its location

and appearance. It is located at the entrance to a helicopter

landing utilized during the Lockheed Fire salvage harvest.

Because it was so severely burned in the fire there is no existing

crown to measure HTCB. The only evidence of its survival is the

presence of new growth stemming off the bole beginning at 65

feet, giving it the appearance of a colossal pipe cleaner. The

entire 166 feet of this tree were completely scorched during the

fire. There is a massive cavity at the base that gives way to a

cavernous area inside with a 40 inch opening that travels

approximately 20 feet up the center of the tree. The name

“Lucky” comes from the trees survival through complete

scorching and from the helicopter crews who believed it might

become a safety concern during operations and wanted it

removed. After further investigation and a little convincing on

the part of SPR at the time, the helicopter crew agreed that if the

tree fell that it would fall away from active flight operations. LT-‐

16 not only survived a complete scorching from the Lockheed Fire but also from potentially being felled

for safety reasons making it quite the “Lucky” tree.

Figure 20. Photo of LT-‐16 and all of its new growth.

29

LT-‐17 “Al’s Arch” Species: Redwood

DBH: 120.2”

Height: 145’

HTCB: 93’

Description: The final redwood Legacy Tree that was

recorded on Swanton Pacific Ranch is located near a pond

just northeast of the Al Smith house. It has platy and

deeply furrowed bark, consistent with each of the legacy

trees as well as an extremely burnt base with a scorch

height that reaches 64 feet up. The main stem of the tree

splits into two separate boles at approximately 15 feet

with each stem having a diameter of at least 40 inches.

The bole on the uphill side is broken off at 64 feet while

the other continues up to a total tree height of 145 feet.

There are multiple large limbs broken off towards the

lower half of the tree that appear to be up to 24 inches in

diameter. The base is so badly burnt that an arch has

formed from a hollowed out cavity that connects one side

of the tree to the other. The burnt out arch has a

diameter inside of approximately 6 feet and a height of 15

feet. Due to its proximity to Al’s house and the incredible

arch at the bottom of the tree, it only seemed fitting to call

this tree “Al’s Arch”.

Figure 21. View of LT-‐17 and its unique structure and arch.

30

LT-‐18 Species: California Buckeye

DBH: 62.6”

Height: 55’

HTCB: 20’

Crown Width: 60’

Description: According to the official

registry of California big trees this

buckeye is the current state record

holder, making it the largest buckeye in

the State. The trunk of this tree is

extremely gnarled and twisted which

creates little hollows and cavities that can be seen all around the base of the tree. At about 8 feet the

base of the tree forks into three separate stems all roughly the same size. The limbs are almost

completely covered in moss starting at about 4 feet from the base of the trunk. The smaller limbs are

long, crooked and appear as though their being pulled towards the ground. This tree has a well-‐

balanced crown giving it a relatively symmetrical structure. This tree stands next to an old building that

used to be an old kitchen and mess hall for the Boy Scouts in the early 1900’s. Because of the gnarled

nature of this tree and the close proximity to young children it most assuredly had small children

hanging from its limbs.

Figure 22. Photo of LT-‐18, the largest Buckeye in California.

31

LT-‐19

Species: Redwood

DBH: 95.5”

Height: 159’

HTCB: 81’

Description: Legacy Tree 19 (LT-‐19)

was the first tree to be identified on the

Valencia Creek property just north of

Haines Ranch Road on a ridge top. LT-‐19

has the characteristics of fissured and

platy bark. The tree has a prominent lean

with a majority of the limbs opposite of

the lean on the southeastern side. LT-‐19

shows many signs of disturbance that is

shown through characteristics on the

tree, but also around the tree. This tree

has a large goose-‐pen, caused by fire

located at the base. The height of this

opening is 23 feet tall, 4 feet wide and has a depth of 3 ½ feet. Additional signs of fire are shown

through the three fire spikes that occur on the tree that vary in age, size, and height, with heights off

the ground of 6, 13, and 33 feet. Others signs of disturbance on the tree are a large burl located

one-‐third of the way up trunk, and a broken top, with the possible broken top located on the ground

on the side of the tree with the lean. Surrounding the tree is numerous large burnt stumps, which

shows further evidence of fire but also logging.

Figure 23. From the goose-‐pen, looking up the base of LT-‐19

32

LT-‐20

Species: Redwood

DBH: 56.2”

Height: 145’

HTCB: 23’

Description: Legacy Tree 20 (LT-‐20) is located on the shoulder of a

north facing aspect of Bean Hill. This tree is a very special case and is

exempt from most categories that make a tree a Legacy Tree. LT-‐20 is

a second growth tree with no large branches, no distinct bark

characteristics, and a DBH smaller than 60 inches. The reason why LT-‐

20 is designated as a Legacy Tree is due to a large albino cluster that

occurs 27 feet up the tree, that is 8 feet tall and 12 feet wide. However,

if this cluster was to ever fall off, LT-‐20 would be removed from the

Legacy Tree list and will be a candidate for harvesting.

Figure 24. A view of the albino cluster on LT-‐20

33

LT-‐21 “ ‘A’ for the day”

Species: Redwood

DBH: 75.7”

Height: 164’

HTCB: 16’

Description: LT-‐21 is an impressive second-‐growth

tree, boasting a very large DBH for a tree of its age.

This tree is open grown, only surrounded by

hardwood species occurring on a southeast aspect.

Most of the limbs occur on the downhill side and

droop all the way to the ground. The tree shows

slight signs of fire, with low severity burn marks on

the base that go 4 to 5 feet up the base. The

significance of this tree and the reason for its

nickname is due to Forester and Cal Poly Professor

Dr. Doug Piirto. When marking this unit for harvest

he insisted on leaving this tree, so in his honor it has

been deemed a Legacy Tree.

Figure 25. Photo of the impressive diameter for the second growth LT-‐21

34

LT-‐22

Species: Douglas-‐fir

DBH: 60.5”

Height: 104’

HTCB: 36’

Description: Legacy Tree 22 (LT-‐22) is the

largest known Douglas-‐fir on the property. This

tree is located right next to a log landing on the

shoulder of a west-‐facing slope. This tree has

many burls throughout is, but a very large

swelling occurs on the base of the downhill side.

Two characteristics of a Legacy Tree that LT-‐22

has is deeply furrowed bark and large branch

diameters that are 10 to 14 inches. LT-‐22 also

has a broken top, which accounts for it relatively

short height.

Figure 26. Photo of LT-‐22, the only classified Douglas-‐fir

35

LT-‐23 “Moss Landing Citadel”

Species: Redwood

DBH: 108.5”

Height: 188’

HTCB: 29’

Description: Legacy Tree 23 (LT-‐23) is the largest tree on the

Valencia Creek property. LT-‐23 is the dominant tree within its stand

near the ridge top of a southeastern facing aspect. This tree has

characteristics of a Legacy Tree due to its platy furrowed bark, and

limbs reaching diameters of 10 inches. LT-‐23 has multiple tops, with 7

of them being visible and the first one occurring 27 feet up the tree.

Some signs of fire are present on the tree, with burnt bark going up 25

feet on the up-‐hill side. Due to this trees impressive size and multiple

tops, it has the appearance of a citadel. With it being located on a

southeastern aspect, it overlooks Moss Landing Harbor and the

Monterey National Marine Sanctuary in the distance, therefore giving

this tree the name “Moss Landing Citadel”.

Figure 27. View of the immense size of LT-‐23

36

LT-‐24

Species: Redwood

DBH: 75.3”

Height: 181’

HTCB: 51’

Description: Legacy Tree 24 (LT-‐24) is the southern most Legacy Tree

growing on the property. It occurs on the shoulder of a north facing

aspect. It is the dominant tree within the stand, with much smaller age

classes surrounding it. There are signs of logging with multiple stumps of

differing sizes occurring as close as 4 feet away from the tree. Multiple

burls are located on the trunk of the tree, which could be from the logging

that took place in the past. LT-‐24 has platy, furrowed bark, which also

helps in qualifying it as a Legacy Tree. A sucker occurs on the downhill

side of the tree with a DBH of 22.6 inches. LT-‐24 also shows signs of fire

with an open fire scar on the uphill side of the tree, measuring 21 feet tall,

3 ½ feet wide, and 2 feet deep.

Figure 28. A look at the fire scar on the base of LT-‐24

37

LT-‐25

Species: Redwood

DBH: 61.3”

Height: 88’

HTCB: 36’

Description: Legacy Tree 25 (LT-‐25) is the only Legacy Tree within the

Valencia Creek property that was not located near a ridge top. This tree

is positioned midslope on a northwest aspect. LT-‐25 is a very

interesting tree, because it shows many signs of past disturbances. First,

the tree forks at 28 feet up to form three tops. The area of the fork

provides a very large platform that could be used for wildlife species.

The uphill side of the tree has a moderate sized fire scar measuring 5 ½

feet tall, 4 ½ feet wide, and 1 feet deep. Out of the side of this scar grew

a sprout, which now measures 25 inches in diameter. One of the most

interesting features of this tree is its sign of logging from the early

1900’s. Inside the fire scar at the base of the tree is an incomplete face

cut that was put in with an axe.

Figure 29. View of the unique top formation of LT-‐25

Figure 30. A photo of the face-‐cut at the base of LT-‐25

38

LT-‐26

Species: Redwood

DBH: 64.6”

Height: 109’

HTCB: 55’

Description: Legacy Tree 26 (LT-‐26) is the last Legacy Tree

for the Valencia Creek property; it is located on bench that is

midslope on a western aspect. This tree is the remnants of a

once greater tree, but still has some of the characteristics of

large platy, furrowed bark. Due to multiple disturbances,

this tree has been left greatly disfigured. LT-‐26 has a large

fire scar at the base that is 31 feet tall and 6 feet wide.

Surrounding the tree are more signs of fire with large burnt

stumps. LT-‐26’s original top has broken off around 50 feet

up, and now a new top is growing out of this brake. Around

42 feet up is a large sucker that has started growing that

gives this tree another top.

Figure 31. A look at the burned base of LT-‐26

39

Conclusion

A total of 26 trees were identified and documented as Legacy Trees on Swanton Pacific Ranch, with each

tree meeting or exceeding the criteria found in the ranches old growth and legacy tree policy as well as

the FSC requirements. The 26 trees that were found and chosen out of thousands on the SPR’s 3,200-‐

acre property shows how significant and rare these legacy trees are, particularly in an area like the Santa

Cruz Mountains that has had a history of being heavily logged. But it is not simply the rarity that makes

these 26 trees so special, rather it is the characteristics and appearance of each tree that makes them

significant. Characteristics like size, limb structure, bole structure, and wildlife habitat to name a few. It

is difficult to really grasp their significance from the photos in this report but when seen in person these

trees have a uniqueness that really separates them from the surrounding forest. By protecting these

trees indefinitely, Swanton Pacific Ranch is not only fulfilling a commitment to the Forest Stewardship

Council but also to the land, the wildlife, and the people who cherish these majestic trees.

World Record Torreya Californica Obituary by Jim West

Even within a watershed of such diversity, that circa 30 square miles and the adjacent environs can

contain 10-‐12% of all of California's native flora, Swanton's record holding Torreya californica stands out

in its singularity. While achieving, neither the cathedral-‐like monumentality of its neighboring Sequoia

sempervirens nor even the sky-‐blocking breath displayed by the largest specimens of the local

Umbellularia californica and Pseudotsuga menziesii, Scott Creek's documented, often discussed but

rarely witnessed-‐in-‐person California Nutmeg, elicited wonder..... due less to the diameter of its lower

trunk but its asymmetry, raising the issue is it really one or two fused bodies! I first encountered, more

than forty years ago, the reclusive behemoth literally hidden by the undergrowth and dappled light from

the adjacent canopies, and it seemed from a distance, unremarkable almost prosaic in stature. When I

finally worked my way through the red elderberry and salmonberry entanglements and confronted the

40

"modest giant" and placed my six foot two inch frame against the already inclined trunk, only then did

the nutmeg's uniqueness manifest itself..... sporting a stem, not approximating an upward

thrusting cylinder but somewhat flattened and looking with its phalanged edges, as if it had wandered in

from some distant rain forest. Nature's magic, resides less with the concept of monumentality than the

fluidity found in the diversity of forms she expresses herself in ,and whether or not, the now reclining

"arboreal landmark" consisted of one or two merged trunks, matters less than the special variation on a

theme it brought to the local landscape. When an old friend departs, what remains behind takes on

greater value and the Scott Creek Watershed is home to at least 2,000 all age category Torreyas to view,

study and treasure.

Jim West

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