Sequoia update: Here’s where they’re digging the big hole for the tree’s new home
If everything goes as planned, Idaho’s largest, oldest sequoia will be lifted from its current site on Friday, June 23. It is likely to move late Saturday, June 24, and into the early hours of Sunday morning.
Its new location will be near the corner of Fort and Garrison Streets, not far from the Boise Little Theatre.
People who regularly walk through the area should note that the sidewalk on the north side of Fort Street between Reserve and Garrison will be closed beginning Tuesday, June 20, so crews can prepare the new site. This sidewalk will remain closed through the end of June, even after the tree is in place, to allow crews to finish the back-fill work around the tree.
Pedestrians can still use the south sidewalk. Access will remain open to the Elks Rehabilitation Hospital nearby.
When it’s time for the tree to move across Fort Street, the road will be temporarily closed. Drivers in the area and people attending events at Fort Boise Park should allow for extra time in case of a detour.
Crews back at it prepping @StLukesHealth #boisesequoia. Steel pipes will act as base support to move tree over weekend. #Boise @boiseparks pic.twitter.com/FmPGZeI34A
— Anita Kissée (@StLukesAnita) June 19, 2017
Crews from Environmental Design, a company whose expertise is moving large trees, have been preparing for the move since the fall of 2016.
The sequoia was planted on the grounds of what was then the garden of the Pittenger home more than a century ago.
Watching the move, road closures
St. Luke’s is urging people who want to watch the move to observe from Fort Boise Park. The grass area along the back of the ball fields is directly across Fort Street from the tree and the action. Parking is limited. Riding bikes or walking is encouraged. Also remember that the area around St. Luke’s is a no-fly zone. Personal drones will not be allowed during the tree’s move because they pose a serious risk to Air St. Luke’s and other medical transport helicopters.
The sequoia on social media
St. Luke’s will be posting updates from and about the sequoia. Follow along and use the hashtag on Twitter and Instagram, #BoiseSequoia.
This story was originally published June 19, 2017 at 10:22 AM with the headline "Sequoia update: Here’s where they’re digging the big hole for the tree’s new home."