National Champion Cottonwood Tree Dies in Summer Storm

LINCOLN, Nebraska, September 13, 2007 (ENS) - The largest cottonwood tree in the United States once stood near Seward, Nebraska, but this summer the National Champion Tree was found dead - split open by the wind or a lightning strike.

Now, the Nebraska Forest Service wants Nebraskans to start looking for the all of the state's largest trees.

The Nebraska Champion Tree Program, administered by the Nebraska Forest Service, NFS, promotes public awareness of forest and tree resources in the state by searching for the largest trees.

"With Nebraska being the home of Arbor Day, trees are a part of our history," said NFS Community Forester Assistant Chip Murrow. "Having champion trees raises awareness that Nebraska does have some significant and neat trees."

Murrow said these big trees can be found in the bush or in populated urban areas.

"I've run into second and third place-sized trees just out traveling," Murrow said. "And, the trees don't have to be in the woods. They can be in towns and cities too."

Nebraskans who think they have a large tree on their property or in their community can go out and take some simple measurements and send in a form. The nomination form for a champion tree is available on the Nebraska Champion and Heritage Tree Programs website. Contact Murrow at (402) 472-1382.

After the Nebraska Forest Service receives the form and initial measurements, Nebraska Forest Service representatives will go to the tree, do additional measurements and rank the tree on a point system.

"Once we've gone and measured the tree, we send a letter back letting them know where it falls in the rankings," said Murrow.

In order to be designated a national champion, trees must be the largest of their species in the country.

Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2007. All rights reserved.