Title

Big Trees, Big Impact!

Relevance

Big trees easily spur imagination, wonder, and amazement, but they also serve as an incredibly impactful entry point in understanding the natural world. From the ecological services provided to the shared connection to nature, big trees make a big impact on the lives of the people who care for them. The Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Program (VT UCF), a partnership of University of Vermont Extension and the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, manages Vermonts Big Tree list. This novelty list keeps track of the states largest trees, but more importantly, it cultivates connections and generates interest in long-term stewardship of these forest giants. The original list was started in 1972 by retired Castleton University Professor Jeff Freeman with just 27 tree species that were measured by diameter only.

Response

In subsequent years, the list was expanded, tracking nearly 140 species in Vermont, and later updated to comply with the American Forests National Register of Champion Trees criteria for measuring trees. The criteria created a big tree points system using three measurements: circumference, height, and crown spread. Interest later waned with the list going dormant for nearly 20 years. In 2021, VT UCF staff began tracking down big trees from the old list to take new measurements, obtaining permission from landowners for trees on private property. After two years of searching and re-measuring, the staff had found nearly 80 state champion trees, including three that are also national champions for their species. They partnered with the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources GIS team to create a searchable digital data collection system paired with an online visual map. The interactive map displays images and information about the tree along with access information if on public land.

Results

In addition to the awe and wonder, big trees provide several important ecosystem services. For example, the state champion sycamore tree is located adjacent to the Harmonyville General Store in southern Vermont. Local pride in this tree is evidenced by the large sign hanging on the stores front porch listing the trees measurements and claim to fame as the species state champion. Using the U.S. Forest Services tree benefits calculator, this magnificent tree is expected to provide over $475.37 in benefits of electricity and heating fuel savings and amount of runoff avoided and rainfall intercepted. Managing the big tree list fits the mission of the urban and community forestry program as it is all about the connection between people and trees. One of the best examples of this connection is renowned big tree enthusiast, Don Lewis of Rupert, Vermont. Don has had many roles in his professional and retired life, including civil engineer, forester, logger, town official, and local historical society chair. He is in his 80s now and is determined to add to Vermonts Big Tree list. He once held 12 different Vermont big tree records, and though now down to four, he aims to be back in double digits soon. Last year, his goal was to re-find a ponderosa pine somewhere in Merck Forest. It was quite an exploration on a cold September day. Don had not visited the forest for awhile so was not sure where to look, so spent the afternoon trekking through the forest with a group of tree enthusiasts. Finding this tree was important to him because in the 1950s, when he was in grade school, he had likely planted this very same ponderosa pine. After several hours of searching and exploring many roads in the woods, he was ecstatic to find the tree. It now stands over 60 feet tall. It may not be the prettiest tree, but it was so meaningful to Don to find this tree and share a moment with the group.

Public Value Statement

The Big Tree list helps increase public awareness of the importance of trees to the environment and the ecosystem services that these big trees provide, fostering interest in protecting and preserving them for future generations. www.vtcommunityforestry.org/bigtrees

Primary Focus Area

Environmental Stewardship

Secondary Focus Area

Youth, Family, & Communities

Impact Statement