Erosion Threatens Olympic National Park's 'Tree of Life'

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Olympic's iconic 40-foot Sitka spruce 'Tree of Life' drops five feet lower, sparking concerns about its stability at Kalaloch Beach.

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Dual erosion threats plague the legendary tree as ocean waves batter the front while creek water undermines its base from behind.

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Park officials' 1960s culvert project backfired spectacularly, directing destructive water flow straight toward the tree's vulnerable foundation.

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Tides have washed logs into the cave beneath the tree, creating temporary support for its extensive root system.

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Photographer Mathew Nichols chronicles the tree's gradual descent with bi-weekly visits, capturing its viral social media moments.

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Olympic National Park's Lead Botanist Janet Cole confirms hands-off approach: "We'll let what passes for nature take its course."

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Olympic National Park's landscape transforms as coastal tides rise higher on beaches while glaciers recede amid shifting climate patterns.

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Visitors drawn to this natural marvel can still witness it near Kalaloch campground off US 101, though its future remains uncertain.

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