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A tree to be removed on the University of Alberta campus has received a fair bit of attention because of its historical significance and its 143-year age — about three times the normal life expectancy.

The tree, known as Garneau’s Tree, is a Manitoba maple planted in the 1870s by early Edmonton settlers Laurent and Eleanor Garneau behind their home.

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Laurent Garneau was one of Louis Riel’s soldiers during the Red River Rebellion and was a prominent figure in the Alberta Métis community.

The now fenced-in tree on 111 Street near 90 Avenue will be removed after consultations with an arborist deemed it unsafe, said University of Alberta communications manager Bryan Alary.

“They concluded that the tree is an advanced state of declining health, which makes it a safety risk for our community,” he said via email Friday.

Great-great-grandson David Garneau said he was informed in mid-August by the native studies department at the university that the tree was slated to be removed.