(Washington, DC) July 28, 2009 – Continuing a tradition begun in 1940, AMERICAN FORESTS invites the public to help identify the largest of 861 species of trees for the 70th anniversary edition of The National Register of Big Trees. Following an extensive two-year review, 57 additional tree species are newly eligible for nomination and 22 species have been removed from the list for a net increase of 35 species from the previous register published in 2008.
“You do not have to own the tree to nominate it. You merely have to locate and measure it,” said Deborah Gangloff, executive director of AMERICAN FORESTS. “Large trees can be awe-inspiring and breath-taking. They also provide far more ecological and community benefits than small trees, which is another important reason why this has been a signature program of AMERICAN FORESTS for more than half of our 134 years of conservation advocacy and tree planting.”
Big Tree nominations are due October 1st and can be made online at www.americanforests.org where there are also measuring instructions and a list of current champions. These trees earn champion status through a weighted points system that combines height (in feet), circumference (in inches) and ¼ of the spread of the crown. The largest tree in the US (and also the largest living thing on earth) is the "General Sherman" Giant sequoia. Located in California’s Sequoia National Park, the General Sherman is 274 feet tall, a crown spread of 107 feet and a circumference of 1020 inches and 1321 total points. It is also estimated to weigh more than 9 blue whales. The updated list of eligible species is online at http://www.americanforests.org/resources/bigtrees/eligible_species.php.
The AMERICAN FORESTS’ 2010 National Register of Big Trees, sponsored by The Davey Tree Expert Company, will be the most extensive, up-to-date catalog of the country’s biggest trees when released in April, 2010. With 57 new tree species to look for, enthusiasts should be more excited than ever to seek out potential new champions. In all our Big Tree endeavors, it is also important not to forget the “bigger” picture. Big Trees are significant for their iconic stature, but their smaller neighbors are just as important for the services they provide in nature. Although trees often outlive us, it is our responsibility to maintain a healthy environment that allows them to grow to champion status.
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