California State Parks Searching for Thieves Who Cut Beloved Humboldt Maple Tree

Humboldt locals recently noticed a beloved maple tree in Cheatham Grove in Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park was cut and a piece of burlwood taken. Now, California State Parks is asking the public to help find the thieves who committed the atrocious crime.

The sideways-standing maple tree covered in coastal moss is a staple of Cheatham Grove, marveling hikers with its unique look only seen in coastal communities. The cut in the tree was reported in early January and officials believe the cut happened around Christmas Eve. Maple burlwood is certainly worth money on the open market, but certainly not enough to make this vandalization of the beloved tree worth the theft.

Here is the press release from California State Parks regarding the incident:

Park Rangers with California State Parks are asking for the public’s assistance in fighting crime in our parks by helping identify anyone involved in the recent theft of maple burlwood from Cheatham Grove in Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park.

A section of maple burl about 15” by 25” by 7” was cut around Christmas Eve 2021.

California State Park Rangers are committed to protecting our State’s natural and cultural resources. We could use the community’s help in identifying suspects who damage park resources and prey on park visitors. State Parks requests anyone with information regarding the identity of suspect in this case, or related criminal activity to contact Ranger Kuhnhofer at (707) 946-1818 or call the park’s Tip Line at (707) 946-1816.