Lea Tree

The Lea Tree is a 2,500 year old Huon pine growing on the Lower Gordon River in Tasmania. It was vandalised in 1983. However, it is still alive and growing.

Vandalism

On 5 July 1983, the tree, 9 feet in diameter, was chainsawed, then oil was poured into holes made by the perpetrators and set alight. The fire burnt for 24 hours.

Motives

The tree is thought to have been vandalised by people who supported the Franklin [Dam controversy|Franklin River Dam] project, as the tree had become something of a symbol to the conservationist groups who opposed the dam. On 1 July, four days prior to the vandalism, a High Court Ruling ended the project. There is one theory that it was a publicity stunt by conservationists.