permaculture

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Centuries-old oak toppled in Maryland storm

June 7, 2002 Posted: 7:48 PM EDT (2348 GMT)

WYE MILLS, Maryland (AP) -- The massive Wye Oak, the living symbol of
Maryland's state tree and designated the largest white oak in the country,
was toppled Thursday during a thunderstorm.

The tree was estimated to be more than 460 years old -- meaning it was
growing in Maryland before the pilgrims arrived. It was 104 feet tall, with a
trunk 32 feet in circumference, and weighed 200 tons.

The tree was included on a  species-by-species list of the largest trees in
the country compiled in 1940 by  American Forests, a nonprofit citizens
conservation organization.

The centuries-old tree was spread across Route 662 in Talbot County. About 30
people surrounded the tree Thursday evening in pouring rain, with some taking
branches as souvenirs.

Wind gusted to 60 mph during Thursday's storm, the weather service said.

Gov. Parris Glendening said in a statement late Thursday that he was saddened
by the loss of "one of our state's most historic, beautiful and stately
natural symbols."