Residents of San Juan de la Rambla, located in the north of Tenerife, are voicing their concerns regarding the “neglect” surrounding the Molino del Viento pine, a centuries-old tree that is listed among the monumental trees and unique flora found in the San Juan area. José, who resides on El Pino Street and accesses the area from Molino de Viento Road, reports that this tree stands approximately 450 metres above sea level. The pine reaches a height of 31 metres and is situated in a rural setting. According to locals, it has been without a fence for an extended period, “which poses a risk of falling” for those who wish to admire it or spend time nearby. Furthermore, residents lament the absence of the tables that were once provided, noting that now there is only a fence that was erected by a local many “years ago on the southern side.”
Additionally, they caution about the continual presence of “unscrupulous” individuals, fearing that a fire could easily erupt, perhaps due to irresponsible behaviour near the tree. They are concerned that there is no closure of the area at night, nor any form of surveillance during the day or night. They also criticise the Cabildo and the San Juan de la Rambla City Council for their “indifference” towards the situation regarding this iconic tree, which is included in the catalogue of emblematic trees of Tenerife. Residents worry that a similar fate may befall this tree as did with the Pilancones pine in Gran Canaria, which was 401 years old and “lost in 2008 due to unscrupulous individuals,” a reference to the arsonists who instigated wildfires on the island during the summer of 2007.
The Cabildo of Tenerife stated this Wednesday to Canarias Ahora that this “tree is located outside a Protected Natural Area and, while it features in the island catalogue, it lacks any legal protection regime.” They further noted that it is situated on “public land with a conditioned environment, isolated from forested areas and in an agricultural context. The responsibility for its protection, they argue, lies with the City Council, although we are preparing a report to send to the council to recommend appropriate measures.”
The Councilor for Works, Jonay Méndez, visited the pine tree this afternoon and conveyed to this publication that he does not perceive the “neglect” that the locals are mentioning. He emphasised that the fence, in this case, has been absent for over 15 years, and stated that while the tree is in a rural area, it does not present any particular fire hazards, aside from the typical pine needles that fall from its branches. He noted that the tables, “if they had ever existed,” would also have been placed long ago. Moreover, he highlighted that this area, located near the boundary with the municipality of La Guancha, has never had surveillance and asserts that it has not turned into a dumping ground or experienced any unsightly issues from that angle. He also pointed out the well-maintained condition and cleanliness of the access and its surroundings.
