A record-breaking heavyweight thrives in newly found old growth grove
By Chloe Bennett
In early July, Erik Danielson hunted for treasure he values more than gold. Trudging through bush and on spongy earth and rocks in the Moose River Plains Wild Forest, the naturalist carved out a path to his latest discovery: A massive Eastern white pine currently known to be the biggest of its kind, with a volume of approximately 1,450 cubic feet.
The typical Eastern white pine in southern Canada and along the eastern portion of the United States has an average diameter of 32 to 36 inches, Danielson said. The tree he located and measured in Hamilton County doubles that with a 62.6 inch diameter. It does not exceed the height of his discovery last year – New York’s tallest white pine, a 174-foot colossus near Bolton, in a forest close to Lake George. But the new find does surpass it in overall mass.
The tree stands among other giants in the 550-acre grove, a two-hour bushwhack from Moose River Road. A 1950 windstorm that blew down many Adirondack trees made it an inconspicuous location to spot the huge pines, he said.
“From that, it was kind of just assumed that whatever had been in there was gone,” Danielson, 32, said.
Danielson first learned of the area’s potential after speaking with Matt Kane, an outdoorsman who reviewed an early 1900s report of the area.
Looking at a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system, Danielson found that the trees resembled structures similar to old growth, but he couldn’t be sure without a visit. His suspicions were confirmed when he drove from his home near Jamestown to the Adirondacks. The dominant trees in the stand could be more than 300 years old, said Danielson, who works as a stewardship coordinator for the Western New York Land Conservancy.
After locating a prospective titleholder, he identified what appeared to be a larger white pine nearby, which took the crown.
Danielson uses a Native Tree Society method that captures the height, girth and volume of trees with the help of a monocular, laser, clinometer and tape. The technique was created by the society’s co-founder Bob Leverett, who has mentored Danielson for about 10 years.
Leverett, who lives in Massachusetts, said older trees such as the one Danielson measured can hold a substantial amount of carbon dioxide. As scientists research ways to curb some of the effects of climate change, tree carbon storage is seen as a potent natural solution. The greenhouse gas is stored in forest biomass until the area, or individual tree, is disturbed.
“They’re huge carbon sinks, not just in terms of the trees above ground, but further what is on the ground and what is underground,” Leverett said. “So, they’re holding a lot of carbon.”
According to Leverett, around 52.1% of a white pine tree is carbon. The more biomass, he said, the more carbon it’s able to absorb from the atmosphere. The giant found in the Moose River Plains Wild Forest has stored about 35.7 tons of carbon dioxide, Danielson said. That is what comes from the tailpipe of a car driven about 328,989 miles, based on the exhaust produced by the average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle.
Although the mass of the white pine is the largest known to Danielson and the tree measuring community, it’s impossible to be certain of its title, he said.
“The fact is that you can never really say that this is absolutely the largest white pine in existence, or for any species, really,” Danielson said. “But it is significantly larger than any of the other largest known examples that are recorded.”
After pursuing unusually large trees for more than a decade, Danielson has gathered enough expertise to lead others to treasure in New York’s forests. He doesn’t partake in the activity solely for the trees but for the immersive experience of a quiet forest and the plants he finds along the way.
He said people interested in the hobby can begin the way he did: Through online research and resources from the Native Tree Society. Tree-measuring enthusiasts are welcoming people, he said.
“There’s not a huge number of us out here doing this kind of thing, so anyone who shows up and takes an interest and starts doing it is going to get a lot of encouragement,” Danielson said.
Just for comparison sake, how does this tree stack up to the Cathedral Pines outside of Inlet?
Are you talking about Cathedral pines in Cornwall CT?
Hi Craig, the trees in the Cathedral Pines range up to a little over 12 feet in circumference and most are between 120 and 140 feet tall, though one is nearly 150. So not quite so large, but they are very old-looking and have a lot of character, and I think they must be the most accessible grove of old-growth pines in the park.
I have checked out the big trees in pine orchard near Wells N.Y. Also is Big Ben still standing at Massawiepie Scout Camp?
New to me. I attend summer camp at Massawiepie as a scout in 1977 and as a counselor in ’80.
Do you recall the location of Big Ben? (Massawiepie then was composed for four sub-camps.)
That is a beauty! King George would have loved that tree for his Royal navy. Arrow-straight – imagine the mast that would have created!
King George used white pine for masts? That’s surprising, since white pine is one of the weakest woods. I’d have guesses they used hardwood. Tulipifera grow straight and tall. Makes me wonder what wood they used.
They wanted the size, straightness and flexibility of white pines. There are still white pines in Maine with the king’s stamp on them . It is2 safe to say that for at least 100 years white pines propelled a lot of England’s maritime and navy.
Southern yellow pine is way stronger per unit size, but per unit mass there is much less difference. I have not checked but I suspect that it’s density was a negative for really large masts
Georgia Pine forest near Augusta 30 years ago I lived in a little house. Across the highway was a big forest, a reserve at the time. In there I found a big pine tree that it took me 6 times with my arms spread to go all the way around it, we are talking about 20 feet in diameter. I could find that tree today or draw a map if the forest around there is not cut down. It well could be down, as there was a huge land development in recent years. But it might still be standing.
Big pines near Augusta GA would most likely have been Loblolly Pine- that species is the largest species of pine in eastern north america, getting up to nearly 2000 cubic feet in volume, whereas this tree is the largest known Eastern White Pine at around 1450 cubic feet. Sounds like a great spot!
I’ve Seen bigger white pines diameter wise in the Siamese ponds wilderness. Idk about the height tho but, wouldn’t be surprised if it gave this tree a run for its money!
I’d like to contact Erik. I see some big trees in my travels.
Hi Ken,
I sent you an email to follow up.
Thanks!
There is a tremendously large white white pine south of cranberry lake on the outlet from big deer pond. It lost most of its top during the 1995 blow down but the circumference at breast height is enormous. I haven’t heard much about this tree because local Forester’s do not want people to find it. For obvious reasons.
Thanks, I’ll put that on my list to check out. We do usually keep tree locations vague, for similar reasons. Five Ponds Wilderness is so large that it’s tough to cover in terms of searching for large trees, and as you note due to the blowdown many of the old trees have lost their tops and don’t really stand out with the remote detection methods we use to find them.
Seems like the big pines above High Falls on the Oswegatchie (2 adults could not touch hands circling the tree) would be bigger. But alas maybe they were knocked down in the micro-burst in the 1990s.
Are you aware of the white pine in the south timber track across the river from the NYS ranger School in Wanakena NY. Back in 1968 it was 96 feet to the first branch.
Yes, the Wanekana pine was the largest we’d modeled for volume in NY prior to this tree. It’s about 1100 cubic feet. Its top has seen some damage in the last few decades, but it’s still an incredible tree.
I may have located one larger.
I have a photo and location.
Email me for photo / info.
I will pass along your email address to Erik. THanks!
Hi Glenn, you should have an email from me. If you don’t see it, check your spam box.
Sounds like we’re all going to keep you running, looking for larger specimens! : )
How about a check in site where we can register a particular species and specimen for it’s girth at chest height. As well as give location data, such as town, road, longitude and latitude or 100yds in on xxx trail?
Also, it would be nice if there would be a NY “Matriarch” Law, protecting any species that is beyond a particular girth or age, specific to their particular species.
As such specimens are truly examples of a genetic quality that has thus far survived man’s environmental onslaught. And as such, should be valued their proven genetic supremacy and so, continue to procreate and pass on this genetic superiority.
That’s the idea! Sometimes the best way to find even larger trees is to claim a record and see if anything comes forth that can give it a challenge.
Two good options for that are MonumentalTrees.com for individual trees, or making an account and posting a site report at the ENTS-BBS forum for more in-depth reporting on a particular forest.
Stronger legal protections for exceptional trees and forests in NY would be great, for a number of reasons. I’m skeptical that such exceptional trees are genetically “superior,” as a rule- there are too many confounding factors of the landscape and natural history affecting the life and growth of any single tree. Trees with genes for traits like faster growth can sometimes be identified in controlled trial nurseries (hence “improved” strains of some pine species used in timber plantations), but we’re far from understanding the interactions of genes with growth and longevity in complex natural environments, and there is probably no such thing as simple “superiority” in that sense.
I have some rival white pines on my property and adjoining land, which is at the south western tip of the Adirondack Park. My property is known on the state and national historic registry as “The Pines.” A couple of years ago, I lost what was at least a 300 year old white pine in terrible wind and ice storm. The age of the tree is approximated due to its enormous size was when it was photographed in the mid-1800s. I have several other trees like it and surrounding my land, preserved by me and one of the original owners, a conservation forester who introduced NY’s first conservation in forestry act. An experienced arborist in the region has confirmed that my trees are some of the largest in the state. I am fighting to preserve these ancient pines but a logging company wants to take them. If you would like to create a video and/or article on these trees and thereby help me petition to save these ancient giants, please send me an e-mail. For the trees and the planet!
Hi Kat,
Hopefully the moderators of the comments here can put us in touch via email. I’d be happy to talk about your pines and see what can be done to advocate for their preservation. Each of these superlative trees and forests reinforces our understanding of the value of mature and old-growth forests.
Erik
Hi Kat,
I sent you an email to follow up. Definitely interested in seeing what I can do to help.
Thanks!
Also on Southside road going to Gabriels from Paul Smith s..I heard there is an old growth massive white pine ,location is secret ,and a good hike in..
I hate to be nay sayer but I have seen white pine in the five ponds and high falls area that big and possibly bigger
There are some others known with larger circumferences. Finding one that’s larger in overall volume is a lot more of a challenge, though. The height of the trunk with minimal taper is really key here- at 80′ high the trunk is still over 40 inches in diameter, and the total height is over 151′. That said, I am hopeful that with continued searching we may find an Adirondack white pine with a trunk volume over 1500 cubic feet, and five ponds is one of the areas with potential.
So who here is old enough to remember seeing the famous leaning tree at Paul Smiths College? Its silhouette (sp?) is on the college seal. And what became of the two POS that cut it down one night?
That is a big one, I too have stumbled upon a giant in the Plains while bushwacking. It was all by itself. This was quite some time ago. Maybe bigger than the one in this article.
This was an interesting read.
In 1970 and 1971 I worked as a summer intern for the Forest Service in Northern Idaho. In 1971 I was a timber cruiser. We used a Relascope to measure height and a tape to get DBH. When we came upon an especially tall tree, my cruising partner and I would make a beer bet on how high the tree was. We would then determine the winner with the Relascope. We got pretty darn good at it. The tallest trees in Northern Idaho where I worked were usually Western larch. 50 years has passed, but I think I recall 180 feet as being a tall tree.
Big trees have always intrigued me. I am now recalling a grove of large trees which I found while deer hunting up near Saranac Lake about 30 years ago. Walking through them was like walking in a cathedral. They had obviously escaped the lumberman’s axe and probably were a climax forest.
I believe we put our canoe in at Second Pond and paddled east until the pond ended. I then hunted southwest and stumbled upon them. Perhaps these vague directions will be of benefit to someone in locating this stand, but you might have to beat me there!
Thanks for the memories, Bill. The stand you describe is one I’ve spent a lot of time documenting- when I first got into it in 2017, one of the trees took the title of tallest tree in NY at 163 feet (it’s now a bit over 165′). Some of the tallest trees there are on a little “island” in a bog on the south side of the long esker ridge. That location(including nearby stands on the other side of Halfway Brook) has the greatest number of white pines over 12′ circumference in a single area anywhere in the world, though I think this new site will probably exceed it when we’ve had a chance to do more extensive measuring.
Very interesting article. I found the largest pine tree I have ever seen , located in Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area years ago. Often go back to it. Now I have to make a trip to measure it.
Hi Dan,
I sent you an email to follow up.
Thanks!
That’s interesting — there have been several claims of big pines in Siamese Ponds Wilderness.
A bit over a quarter century ago, I led a small group on a long day trip from the west edge to the east edge of Siamese Ponds. Once we left the ex-International-Paper lands along the west edge, we were passing huge old yellow birch, white spruce, and hemlock trees one after the other — and the occasional pine. One particularly memorable white pine was over 150 feet tall by our rough measurements, and about fifty feet to the first branch.
I tried getting back to see if it was still there, about a year ago, but it’s quite a hike! Will try again soon.
Thank you for all you do. I live in the southern Catskills. I live on top of a ridge that has never been logged. My neighbors and I are working to try to conserve our area. We have an Eagle preservation but only 300 feet on my land. Too much development too fast down! Wish me luck!
Erik, Nice find! Have you checked out the White Pines at Pine Orchard in Wells. Many are “doubles” but could approach the DBH you have here.
Also, it sounds like Kat Ziemke has some notable pines that would be interesting for you to survey with NTS Sine method.
I know that Bob Leverett found a massive White Pine (Lyndacker Pine) out that way, which I think was much greater than a cube.
Perhaps you could also post these to the NTS BBS. Again, nice work.
Hi Scott,
A trip report for this forest will end up on the BBS when I have a chance to get around to it.
The Lyndacker Pine has a larger circumference, but is not as large by volume. It splits into two smaller trunks relatively low.
Pine Orchard is a great site, but probably a little younger based on the form and traits of the trees. On average the trees are a bit shorter and smaller in girth than at this site. The largest is probably a little over 15′ circumference by now.
We have very large white pines in our yard near the East Branch of the Ausable in Keene Valley. More than 12′ circumference and >120 feet tall.
Must be getting towards the end of its life. I hope it’s cut down and made into lumber instead of rotting in the woods giving off carbon
Eric,
Hiked into the old growth pine location this AM with a cloth tape measure just to compare the tree I located , to others mentioned. This one measure 17’&6” in circumference aprox. 5’ above ground level.
Dan
Erik,
Sounds like Dan has found a contender in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness. Thank you, Dan! Hopefully Erik can survey and photograph that white pine, as well! Looking forward to more great trees in our Park!
Hi Dan,
That does sound like a contender! Is it a single solid stem? If you’re willing to share the location (we could get in touch over email) I’d love to do full measurements for the height and volume of the tree next time I’m able to get up in that area.
Erik
Pine point on long lake, the northville placid trail has the biggest white pine I’ve ever seen.
I’ve logged for many years and have cut many white pines with more girth than 5 feet in diameter. I’ve seen ancient hemlocks and sugar maples that would make your head explode.
Hi Erik
I read your article with great interest as I was planning a trip to explore the Moose River Plains.
One hike I took was to Beaver Pond. 1.24 miles on the trail I found a HUGE white pine. Lacking measuring tools, my wife and I measured it by our arm spans, 3 of mine and 1/2 of hers. The circumference was 3*72” +36”. = 252” circumference or about 8’ diameter!!!
I can send you GPS coordinates and/ or pictures if you wish.
The Moose River Plains is surely unique in many ways.
Lem Hegwood
Hi Lem,
I have seen some photos of the tree you mention. It would be considered a multistem and is in the 125-135′ height range, so it’s not likely to approach the same total volume of the tree in this article, but it’s definitely very impressive! It’s on my list to take a side trip to visit next time I’m in MRP/
Erik
What is special about the Eastern white pine that Erik Danielson discovered?
Oof, I was hoping to find something in the comments about conservation groups or something of that nature arranging hikes to see this, but after reading the two logging comments… I can imagine why that doesn’t happen. Pity. Maybe NYFA can organize something…