Hyperion, certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s tallest living tree, is officially off-limits to visitors.
California’s Redwood National Park issued a statement last week that anyone who is caught near the tree can face up to six months in jail and a $5,000 fine.
The tree, which is deep in the park and has no trails leading to it, has faced serious environmental degradation from thrill-seekers who have visited since 2006, when it was found by a pair of naturalists.
“Despite the difficult journey, increased popularity due to bloggers, travel writers, and websites of this off-trail tree has resulted in the devastation of the habitat surrounding Hyperion,” the statement says. “As a visitor, you must decide if you will be part of the preservation of this unique landscape – or will you be part of its destruction?”
I – Word Understanding
Thrill-seeker – a person who is eager to take part in exciting activities that involve physical risk
Naturalist – a person who studies the natural world
II – Have Your Say
1, Why do you think it is important to preserve ancient trees?
2, Can you tell me something about Jomonsugi inYakushima?
3, What rules are being implemented in your country to protect natural resources/places that are visited by many tourists?
