The 2012 drought and other circumstances have knocked some of Indiana’s state champion trees out of contention for the 2015 Big Tree Register.
Published every five years, the register is a list of the largest known native trees in the state, known as state champion trees.
The DNR is accepting nominations for the 2015 Big Tree Register through Oct. 31.
The loss of several champions is an opportunity for other trees to move up and take their place. If you think you have the largest or even the second largest please nominate your tree — it could be the next state champion for its species.
The application requires three measurements of a tree: total circumference, in inches, at 4.5 feet above the ground; total height, in feet; and average crown spread, in feet.
The total size of a tree is calculated using a points system. The tree of each species with the highest total is Indiana’s largest.
Each tree nominated is verified for species and size before acceptance in the register.
More information, the online directory of Indiana big trees, the nomination form, and directions on how to make tree measurements is at dnr.IN.gov/forestry/8169.htm.
For more information about nominating a tree for the register or to receive a nomination form, contact district forester Janet Eger at (812) 247-2479 or jeger@dnr.IN.gov.
