American Forests Unveils 733 National Champion Trees for 2010

175 new champions make the 70th Anniversary National Register of Big Trees

Washington, DC (May 3) -- American Forests' National Register of Big Trees marks its 70th anniversary this year with a total of 733 champion and co-champion trees from 637 native and naturalized tree species in the United States. Presented in a new online format, the 2010 edition also features a revised list of eligible species, ensuring consistency with today's taxonomy and nomenclature for trees.

"Our largest trees are impressive and special in their own right," said American Forests' Acting Executive Director Gerry Gray. "We hope this recognition brings protection and appreciation to these special trees, as it reminds us that large trees cannot thrive without healthy ecosystems."

The National Register is updated bi-annually by American Forests, the nation's oldest citizens' conservation group, and sponsored by The Davey Tree Expert Company. American Forests relies on participation from the public to find and nominate champion trees, which receive a point total based on their height, circumference, and ¼ of their crown spread. State coordinators verify the nominations and conduct a variety of education and outreach programs to complement and extend the national program.

At the top of the 2010 list remains Sequoia National Park's "General Sherman" giant sequoia - not only the Register's highest scoring tree with 1,321 points, but Earth's largest living thing and one of only three perennial champs since the first Register in 1940. While all but one of the 15 biggest species in the country have held their rankings since the last Register, this year saw the crowning of 175 new champions or co-champions, while 164 were dethroned.

The 2010 Register also ushers in a new smallest Big Tree: a yellow anise-tree in Marion County, Florida with 29 points; five feet taller, but slightly skinnier and with a crown spread one-third narrower than the previous smallest champion, the Geyer willow.