Thieves Target California's Redwood National Park, Stealing Sacred Artworks
Thieves have struck the sacred Grove of Titans in California's Redwood National and State Parks, stealing irreplaceable sculptures that hold deep significance for the Tolowa people. The thefts, first noticed in January 2025, have caused a significant loss, as these artworks were meant to enhance visitors' understanding of the forest's history and ecology.
The stolen items include bronze statues of local wildlife such as coho salmon, Humboldt martens, and banana slugs, as well as a dugout canoe, which is a symbol of Tolowa heritage. The thefts are part of a larger issue of poaching and burl theft in the park, particularly in the northern area. The elevated walkway and interactive trail built in 2019 to protect and educate about the Grove of Titans have not deterred the thieves.
In addition to the sculpture thefts, tree climbing has become a problem in the park. People from around the world are attempting to scale the ancient trees, causing irreversible damage to the canopy ecosystems. Damaging or removing the burl from old-growth redwoods can harm or even kill the tree, as they grow slowly and rarely regenerate.
The theft of these sculptures and the ongoing tree climbing issues pose a serious threat to the preservation and protection of the Redwood National and State Parks. Authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious activity and to respect the park's rules and regulations. The loss of these sculptures is a significant blow to the interpretive experience the park offers, but officials are committed to restoring and protecting the Grove of Titans for future generations.
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