New Champion Trees Crowned in North Dakota in 2021
Bismarck – State Forester Thomas Claeys is pleased to announce that three new champion trees and three new second place champions have been added to the 2021 North Dakota Register of Champion Trees. The Register is the official list of the first and second largest trees of each native and non-native species in the state.
The green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) owned by Alecia Fedorenko at 1910 LaForest Avenue in Bismarck, North Dakota, is a new addition to the Register. The tree was nominated by Susan Wefald and Nancy Willis, two citizen foresters in cooperation with the Bismarck Forestry Department. This new state champion has a total of 224 points for having a circumference of 11 feet 9 inches, height of 65 feet, and average crown spread of 71 feet.
The Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) owned by West Acres Adjacent Properties, LLP at 1623 38th St SW in Fargo, North Dakota, is a new addition to the Register. The tree was nominated by D.G. Elness of Cavalier. This new state champion has a total of 104 points for having a circumference of 4 feet 8 inches, height of 36 feet, and average crown spread of 48 feet.
The Ohio buckeye (Aesculus glabra) owned by the Valley City Park District at City Park, Valley City, North Dakota, is a new addition to the Register. The tree was nominated by Joe Martin of Valley City. This new state champion has a total of 170 points for having a circumference of 7 feet 2 inches, height of 68 feet, and average crown spread of 64 feet.
In addition to these three new champions, a new second place champion has been recognized for green ash, American linden, and silver maple.
Champion trees located on public land can usually be visited without a problem. However, if a champion tree is located on private property, we ask that you respect the landowner and ask permission before making a visit.
The Champion Tree program of North Dakota is sponsored by the NDSU-North Dakota Forest Service. It is patterned after the National Big Tree Program sponsored by American Forests.
All state champion tree records are on file at the headquarters of the North Dakota Forest Service and can be viewed on our website at https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/ndfs/about-north-dakota-forestry/champion-trees-of-north-dakota. To obtain a Register or information on how to nominate a champion, contact beth.hill@ndsu.edu.
