General MacArthur Pine

Ron Scott · December 26, 2001, 10:03:34 AM

The General MacArthur Pine Commemoration Ceremony was held September 13, 2001 (as reported from The Timber Producers Magazine, December 2001)

The large white pine stood for approximately 300 years on land protected by the Wisconsin Board of Public Lands. It is located west of Newald in Forest county, Wisconsin.

The General MacArthur pine held the title of our nation's largest white pine (pinus strobus) from 1945 until 1971 when it stood 148 feet tall, 5 feet 7 inches in diameter, and contained approximately 8,000 board feet of lumber.

First recorded in 1945 by a former USFS District Ranger, the pine was later named by a Milwaukee newspaperman in honor of World War II General Douglas MacArthur.

Over time, wind and lightning took their toll. In a 1971 storm, the top 40 feet broke off and the pine lost its title of the largest white pine. In 1986, during a lightning storm, the tree was hit and caught fire. The center of the tree from ground level to 20 feet in height was burned out. Amazingly, it took until June 24, 2001 when it fell victim to another fire.

In 1988 cones from the tree were sent to several nurseries. Seedlings grown from the seeds were given to other states and countries and now the General MacArthur Pine lives on through its descendants.

Frank_Pender · December 26, 2001, 04:42:27 PM

Is it possible to get some of these seedlings to place on my Tree Farm? :

Ron Scott · December 26, 2001, 05:08:24 PM

You might check at the USDA-Forest Service web site to see if they know which USDA-Forest Service or State nurseries etc. may have some stock available if any.

Also check with the Wisconsin DNR, Nicolet National Forest in Wisconsin and also the USDA Forest Service Toumey Nursery in Watersmeet, Michigan.

timberbeast · December 27, 2001, 12:01:41 AM

Wow! Seems the bane of the White Pine is generally lightning. Been watching a few whoppers on my property for years. The biggest had the top 50 ft. or so taken by lightning. Wasn't that big, though!!!!! Probably 4 foot dbh.

Ron Scott · December 27, 2001, 06:16:24 AM

Yes, the pine are a favorite target for lightning strikes often due to their height, exposure etc. Especially white pine in the Lake States. They are often the tallest trees on an area making them most vulnerable.