White House Elm tree to be mulched

[Ziffy]

Has anybody heard about the 100+ year old elm tree that came down recently on the White House grounds. Supposedly, it is the same tree that's pictured on the right-hand side on the reverse of the US $20 bill. Well, the news this morning said it's going to be turned into mulch. Surely someone in the AAW has some connections to try and save parts of the tree to be turned and sold to raise money for something...

any ideas or suggestions?

Brian

 

[David Somers]

I am afraid I am a VERY long way away from the parks in the Capital area and don't have any personal contacts there.

But I can give you the name and address of the Superintendant. The park is called Presidents Park and covers the White House and grounds. I believe they handle the grounds keeping and would be dealing with the tree. At the very least, they would be aware of what is happening with it and who to contact regarding its disposal. Perhaps the local turning clubs could contact the Supt?

Superintendent
Ann Bowman Smith
202-619-6344
Ann_Bowman_Smith@nps.gov

Address

Presidents Park
1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Washington, DC 20242

Fax
202-208-1643

And incidentally, normally National Park units don't allow trees to be taken out of parks for uses like firewood or furniture making. Normally they are allowed to rot in place and "return to the soil" to nourish it. Since this is a VERY manicured setting though they may have different policies regarding this. Just be aware that National Park units have very different rules governing them than National Forests for example. Hope this helps!!

 

[Leslie S]

White House Elm

I have zero pull but I actually called the White House to see if I could get a piece or two. I was refered to the Parks service. I explained what I wanted the wood for and offered a bowl for the White House collection. I was told me it is a matter of policy that all trees down at the White House are mulched. It's a shame really. Worth a try though.

 

[Steve Worcester]

I think it is time to call your congressmen and senators so they can finally do SOMETHING to help us.

 

[MichaelMouse]

I think it is time to call your congressmen and senators so they can finally do SOMETHING to help us.

What's the rabbi say in Fiddler on The Roof? "May God bless and keep the Tsar ... far away from us."

Congresscritters or their reps will sound sympathetic, I'm sure, but a realist will already have figured out that the instant celebrity conferred on a piece made from that tree would be a windfall to any turner, especially if s/he can document provenance. Probably why the Park Service declines to participate in the creation of sacred relics. I think it's the right way to go.

Either that or auction the thing, so Uncle gets something up front.