TREEMENDOUS TREES

Deep in the Illahee Forest stands a Copper Beech tree located on the Lamotte-Schutt homestead. Dr. LaMotte was the chief medical officer for President Teddy Rossevelt and his Rough Riders. Schutt operated a medical clinic in Bremerton. The 48 acres of property was originally deeded to a Harry Prescott on Oct. 4, 1864 at $1.25 per acre.

I believe this tree was planted in the early 1900s, measuring 10 feet, 6 inches in circumference and 80 feet in height. The tree has the makings of a Kitsap County Champion and I am in the process of investigating that now.

The Copper Beech tree could have been introduced to Europe by stone age men who used the nuts for food. The lifespan of a Beech tree can be more than 300 years. These trees flower at age 45 and the seeds are called Beech nuts and are an important food source for birds and squirrels. This tree has done very well at propagating itself with many sons of Beeches in the area.

Truly a treemendous tree!

Jim Trainer is a local community forester and the owner of Treez Inc.