Historic sign stolen from Saskatchewan’s largest tree near Blaine Lake

In the heart of the North Saskatchewan River Valley, near Blaine Lake, stands the largest tree ever recorded in the province.

The plains cottonwood and poplar cross, locally known as the Popoff Tree, is believed to be more than 175 years old. It stands 68 feet tall with a girth measuring 16 feet, making it one of the most notable natural landmarks in the region.

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But the sign that once helped visitors understand the tree’s history and significance has recently disappeared.

“Why should people vandalize stuff or take stuff that’s not theirs?” asked Jack Androsoff, vice-president of the Riverlands Heritage Preservation Region.

“If we can get it back and it’s in good shape, we’ll set it back up where it belongs.”

The tree’s sign has been missing since early April. (Town of Blaine Lake/ Facebook)

The sign was last seen in early April, and since then, a report has been filed with the RCMP in hopes of finding out what happened and, ultimately, recovering it.

“It’s ours, we paid for it. We just want it back,” he said.

For Androsoff and many people in surrounding communities, the Popoff Tree is more than just a landmark — it represents generations of memories and a strong sense of local heritage, making the loss of the sign especially frustrating.

“I remember my grandparents saying that it’s a tree that came when they migrated from Russia, apparently from a seed,” Androsoff said.

For others, the area has long been a gathering place where families come together for hot dog roasts, fishing trips, or quiet afternoons along the river.

“People like to go down to the area where the tree is. It is actually where the old ferry used to be that crossed the river, Laird Ferry.”

From 1910 to 1964, the tree itself served as a natural landmark tied to local history, including what residents remember as the Ospennie or Laird Ferry.

It played a key role in anchoring the ferry cable for many years, helping connect both sides of the river. In 1954 alone, nearly 24,000 passengers crossed the river with the assistance of the Popoff Tree.

“We just put that new sign up here about a year and a half ago because we updated some of it. We’re just disgruntled that something like that would have disappeared,” he said.

Androsoff is hoping the sign, which shares this local history with visitors, will be returned. He said a $500 reward is being offered for its safe return, in original condition, to the Blaine Lake RCMP.

— with files from CKOM News

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