"Photographer Discovered Remarkable Hidden Gem at Plain Sight"

"Secret Sentinel: Photographer Discovers Massive Cedar, Keeps Location Hidden for Conservation"

TJ Watt, a British Columbia wildlife photographer and founder of the Ancient Forest Alliance, has stumbled upon one of the largest old-growth cedar trees off Vancouver Island's coast. Named "The Wall," the colossal tree, over 1,000 years old, stands at 151 feet tall with a diameter of 17 and a half feet. After waiting over a year to disclose its existence, Watt decided to keep the location a secret in consultation with the Ahousahti First Nation, considering the sensitivity of these areas and the potential for environmental impact.

Photo credited to: TJ Watt, a British Columbia wildlife photographer

Watt emphasized the importance of safeguarding such significant trees, stating, "These are sensitive areas, and everything can be pretty trampled on if you know where it was found." He meticulously measured and documented The Wall before unveiling it to the public, describing it as a "freak of nature" that expands as it grows, expressing awe and wonder at its uniqueness.

While Canada's largest documented tree, the Cheewhat Giant, is taller and wider, The Wall's undisclosed location aims to protect it from potential threats. Old-growth forests, vital for natural habitat, species diversity, and carbon storage, face ongoing threats from pollution, extreme weather events, and logging. Despite protections for some trees, the Ancient Forest Alliance reports that 80% of Vancouver Island's original old-growth forests have already been logged, underscoring the significance of preserving hidden treasures like The Wall.