Big karri a tribute to Don

The descendants and extended family of Don Stewart travelled to Manjimup last week to visit the Stewart Tree which was named in his honour.

More than 10 family members, including children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews visited the 85m tall tree, which is located in the Record Brook area.

Two of the family members who attended the site were Mr Stewart’s son and daughter Robert Stewart and Joan McDonald.

The tree was named after Don Stewart who came up with the idea of using karri trees as fire lookouts.

“This is the first time we’ve been to the tree, but we have been to the Donnelly River before,” Mr Stewart said.

Mrs McDonald said it was the first time in a while so many family members had got together and it was a lot of fun.

“It was a lovely thing for all of us to get together,” she said.

Mrs McDonald also said she was enraptured to go down and see the tree itself.

“This was really outstanding, maybe the whole area could be a heritage park and a walk could be put in to enjoy wildflowers,” she said.

“It could also help make Manjimup become more well-known.

“It’s something that is really unique.”

During the visit, Mr Stewart brought along an image of a painting of the Stewart Tree, which his father received as a retirement gift.

Don Stewart and other foresters discovered the tree when looking for locations for fire lookouts.