Regional Water Authority identifies man accused of cutting down historic “Door Tree” in Hamden

The “Door Tree” in Hamden’s Mount Carmel woods after being vandalized. The “Door Tree” in Hamden’s Mount Carmel woods after being vandalized. Photo: Contributed Photo Photo: Contributed Photo Image 1 of / 6 Caption Close Regional Water Authority identifies man accused of cutting down historic “Door Tree” in Hamden 1 / 6 Back to Gallery

HAMDEN — Officials with the Regional Water Authority identified the individual allegedly responsible for cutting down the historic “Door Tree” in Hamden Wednesday.

Curtis Pardee was charged with third-degree criminal mischief and third-degree criminal trespassing in connection with the matter, according to Dan Doyle, the public affairs and communications manager for the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority.

The Hartford Courant reported Tuesday that David Johnson, Hamden’s municipal historian said Pardee’s brother, David, was known as “Mr. Door Tree” because of his love for the 200-year-old white oak.

The RWA learned that the Door Tree, which grew in a “distinctive doorway-like arch” on property it owned, had been cut down July 18, officials said Tuesday in a release.

The individual responsible, allegedly Pardee, was identified within two days and subsequently arrested, officials said.

The RWA thanked those who offered messages of support about the tree in the release, noting that “concerned individuals from throughout Connecticut, the United States and around the world expressed their disappointment after seeing photos of this historic icon’s ruin,” including offering “messages of support from as far away as Canada, the Philippines and Israel.”

“The destruction of this unique and historic tree clearly struck a chord with people from around the world. The RWA hopes that they will honor the memory of the Door Tree by doing their part locally to protect trees and the natural environment in their own communities,” officials said.

“While what caused the unique growth of the Door Tree is unknown, the RWA believes the Door Tree gained its distinctive doorway-like arch from an acorn that sprouted while sitting atop a hemlock tree or downed log. The acorn maintained this unique shape as it grew into a tree and its base rotted away. While the Door Tree no longer stands, the RWA’s forester noted that another plant has begun to grow from its stump, working against the odds to grow and thrive, just as the Door Tree did many decades ago.”

william.lambert@hearstmediact.com