September 11, 2007
National Champion Cottonwood Near Seward Killed in Summer Storm
LINCOLN, Neb. — The nation's largest cottonwood tree once stood near Seward, Neb.; however, this summer the National Champion Tree was overcome by wind damage or a lightning strike and is now dead.
"I went to look at it and it was laid out in two. There was nothing we could do to keep it alive," said Chip Murrow, community forester assistant in the Nebraska Forest Service. "It was the biggest in the nation."
The cottonwood measured 36.75 feet in circumference, 85 feet high and 107 feet in crown spread. Susan and Daryl Hackbart are the owners of the property where the national champion cottonwood stood.
Now, with Nebraska's National Champion cottonwood no longer, Murrow, who heads Nebraska's Champion and Heritage Tree Programs, wants Nebraskans to start searching not only for another cottonwood but for the all of the state's largest trees.
The Nebraska Champion Tree Program, administered by the Nebraska Forest Service, promotes public awareness of Nebraska' forest and tree resources by searching for the state's largest trees.
"With Nebraska being the home of Arbor Day, trees are a part of our history," Murrow said. "Having champion trees raises awareness that Nebraska does have some significant and neat trees. Trees can grow in this prairie state and are significant resources."
Murrow said it's surprising where you can find these "big trees."
"I've run into second and third place-sized trees just out traveling," he 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 Web site. Interested parties also can 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 and do additional measurements and use those for 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," he said.
In order to be deemed a national champion, trees must be the largest of their species in the country.
The Nebraska Forest Service and the Nebraska Community Forestry Council also administers the Nebraska Heritage Tree Program.
"This program shows that trees have been around quite awhile and are a large part of our historical background," Murrow said.
Anyone is eligible to nominate a tree for national recognition or for inclusion in Nebraska's Heritage Tree Program.
9/11/07-SK
John C. (Chip) Murrow
Nebraska Forest Service
Community Forester Assistant
(402) 472-1382
Sandi Alswager Karstens IANR News and Photography (402) 472-3030
Department: Nebraska Forest Service
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