The tunnel tree is no more.
The tunnel tree is no more. Erlend Haddeland

One-hundred-and-thirty-seven-years ago, someone carved a tunnel in the base of a massive sequoia tree in Calaveras County, California. For all the years since then you could walk through it, or just look at it, and think about the impact humans have had on the world’s natural resources. 

But on Sunday, nature exacted its own retribution, felling the tree in a storm. 

According to the Los Angeles Times, visitors used to be able to drive through the tree, though, lately, it’s been open only to hikers. The tree was known as the Pioneer Cabin Tree, and was one of several that were carved out in the 1800s to promote tourism. 

But according to the National Park Service, carved out trees had their time and place. 

“Sequoias which are standing healthy and whole are worth far more,” the park service said.