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1. Who are the national tree champions of SW Michigan?
2. What is the National Register of Big Trees? 3. How are big trees measured? 4. Does Michigan maintain a listing of state champions? 5. How many state champions are in SW Michigan; who are they? 6. What is the "Great Tree Hunt" and who can participate? 7. How do I nominate a tree for my county? 8. How do I nominate a tree for my state? 9. How do I nominate a tree for the National Registry? 10. Are there other champion tree web sites? |
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According to the 1996-1997 National Register of Big Trees, Michigan has 64 national champions, 15 of which are found in SW Michigan. This list does not reflect changes and updates which may be noted in the 1998-1999 National Register.
Green ASH [1981 - Cass] *** Red BUCKEYE [1983 - Kalamazoo] *** Black CHERRY [1984 - Allegan] *** Common CHERRY [1967 - Kent] *** Sour CHERRY [1972 - Calhoun] *** Kentucky COFFEETREE [1976 - Van Buren] *** Rock ELM [1989 - Cass] *** Bitternut HICKORY [1982 - Cass] *** Common HOPTREE [1972 - Kent] *** Black MAPLE [1976 - Allegan] *** Red MULBERRY [1981 - Berrien] *** Red MULBERRY [1991 - Ottawa] *** Bebbs OAK [1972 - Kalamazoo] *** Bottom OAK [1991 - Branch] *** Inland Shining SUMAC [1991 - Kalamazoo]
NOTES:
... A summary file of these records are available
as a single Internet page.
... Maps to some of these trees
can be found in the SW Michigan National Champion Tree Locational Guide.
The National Register of Big Trees is a compilation of the largest representatives of over 269 native and naturalized tree species in 48 (*1) U.S. states. The register was established in 1940 and is administered by American Forests. The nominations deadline for the year 2000 Register is August 1, 1999.
NOTE: (*1) 48 states are represented: North Dakota and Delaware have no entries ... [05-dec-1999]
The relative size of a tree is determined by the total number of points earned on the basis of three measurements:
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CIRCUMFERENCE or GIRTH is measured at 4 1/2 feet above the ground at mid-slope. Circumference inches = circumference points.
The HEIGHT of the tree in feet = height points.
CROWN SPREAD in feet / 4 = crown points.
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Detailed instructions for big tree measurements can be found at the Oregon Department of Forestry.
A searchable database of Michigan's champion trees is available from the Michigan Botanical Club.
A text file listing of Michigan Champion Trees dated 02/01/96 is available in four parts from the Michigan State University Extension Server.
The "Michigan Champion Tree Listing" dated 02/01/96 contains 36 state tree champion records for the thirteen county wide region of SW Michigan.
Allegan (3): black MAPLE *** Northern Red OAK *** White OAK Barry (2): copper BEECH *** Downy SERVICEBERRY Berrien (6): Cumbertree MAGNOLIA *** red MULBERRY *** Bur OAK *** Osage-ORANGE *** Eastern REDBUD *** Crack WILLOW Branch (1): Bottom OAK Calhoun (3): Sour CHERRY *** Shagbark HICKORY *** Shingle OAK Cass (5): Green ASH *** Rock ELM *** Bitternut HICKORY *** Staghorn SUMAC *** TULIPTREE Eaton (0): Ionia (1): Eastern Red-CEDAR Kalamazoo (8): River BIRCH *** Red BUCKEYE *** Yellow BUCKEYE *** European MOUNTAIN ASH *** Bebbs OAK *** PECAN *** Inland Shining SUMAC *** SYCAMORE Kent (4): Southern CATALPA *** Choke CHERRY *** Common HOPTREE *** PERSIMMON Ottawa (1): Red MULBERRY St. Joseph (0): Van Buren (2): White ASH *** Kentucky COFFEETREE
NOTES:
... A summary listing for national record holders is available.
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Refer to
A Map Guide to SW Michigan's State Champion Trees
for locations to some of these trees.
The "Great Tree Hunt" is the search for really big trees. Everyone can participate. ... great school project! ... awesome camp activity! ... fun family outings! ... memories of a life time ... You can't lose! For more information contact Michigan's "Big Tree Coordinator".
Read the rules, complete the entry form and mail to:
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Michigan Big Tree Hunt c/o Global ReLeaf of Michigan P.O. Box 510173 Livonia, Mi. 48151 |
| For more information contact |
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Michigan Big Tree Hunt c/o Global ReLeaf of Michigan P.O. Box 510173 Livonia, Mi. 48151 |
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Specific details on how to nominate a big tree can be found at American Forests - sponsors of the National Register of Big Trees. Information required includes tree species, description, height, circumference, crown diameter, photograph, location, measurement date, owner, and nominator.
Related resources ... articles, bulletins, databases, and general references about champion trees
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