The Big Trees Register, 2000-2001

American Forests, founded in 1875, is the oldest national nonprofit conservation organization in the United States. American Forests publishes American Forests magazine quarterly but is also known for promoting the National Register of Big Trees every other year.

American Forests has been the keeper of the register since 1940 when  forester Joseph Stearns said: "Let every tree lover, every forester, every lumberman rally ... to fight for the preservation of our biggest tree specimens." Since then, the register has turned into an institution with big tree coordinators in all 50 states and a group of big tree hunters always on the lookout for new champion trees.

The Davey Tree Expert Company sponsors the program.   A spokesman from Davey says,  "The Davey Tree Expert Company is proud of its affiliation with American Forests - another organization that cares about, and for, trees.  We are particularly honored to have been the national sponsor of The National Register of Big Trees for the last 10 years."

This register, in the latest issue National Register of Big Trees - 2000-2001, celebrates its 60th year with an impressive 867 national champion trees. They are found in national forests, parks, private forests and backyards in nearly every state across America. However, you should note that there is a big Western advantage when looking at the top 25 list.  A Louisiana baldcypress, ranked at number 6, is the only tree in that top listing located in the Eastern United States.

Most states have big tree or champion tree programs (see Oregon) and publish their own lists  (I nominated the largest Alabama  champion black willow and it stands today). "The competition among states and big tree hunters often is fierce" according to American Forests. "Especially when the title for an official State Tree is held by a different state."  These "hunters" are out to dethrone the national trees of record with their own nominations.  They even remeasure existing ones to challenge any errors that might have been made.

Eligible trees must be native or naturalized in the continental United States (including Alaska, but not Hawaii). They are listed in Check List of  Native & Naturalized Trees of the United States, written by Dr. Elbert L. Little, Jr., former chief dendrologist of the U.S. Forest Service (see my review on his excellent tree id book).

These champion trees are measured mostly by foresters, rangers, or big tree hunters who submit nominations to American Forests or the state big tree coordinators. A free brochure with rules for measuring and nominating trees is available from American Forests or through your state forester. 

The hunt is never over because national champs are only the biggest known so far. Every year new champions are crowned and others dethroned. Since the last Register, 15 former champs died of natural causes (winds storms, lightning, fire and disease), one died due to highway construction, and 6 were dethroned due to mismeasurement.

An American Forests press release says "Almost every state in the country has a champion. This year, 28 states had new champs recognized. Florida had the most with 39, giving it a total of 170. California is second in total champs with 94, followed by Texas (72), Arizona (69), and Virginia (56)."

More stuff on big trees....

The Champion Tree Project International
"The Project is sustained by the contributions of its members. Each membership in The Champion Tree Project
is another Champion Tree preserved."

The Champion Tree Project International List
A partial listing of Champion Trees with photos...

The Register's Top 25 Big Trees

Big Tree Facts

New and Fallen Champs

 More stuff on identifying trees....

American hardwoods

American conifers

Tree ID from About Forestry