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Landmark Dallas Tree Cut Down By Mistake

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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM/AP) - The largest black willow tree in the State of Texas has been accidentally cut down in the White Rock Lake area of Dallas.

Dallas Park and Recreation Department official Oscar Carmona said that the 170-year-old black willow was mistakenly cut down by a contract crew grinding tree stumps. He told The Dallas Morning News that the crew made the decision to cut down the tree without consulting anyone.

Dallas Tree Cut Down
This pile of wood chips is all that remains of a certified "champion" Texas Big Tree. (credit: Ed Lowder/KTVT/KTXA)

The tree stood by the Stone Tables and Pavilion, which is currently undergoing renovation, at White Rock Lake Park.

Four years ago, the black willow was designated as the champion tree of its species by the Texas Registry. It was 47 feet high and had a girth of 265 inches. But the tree was damaged by high winds back in October.

Another black willow has replaced the felled tree as state champion, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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