The new champion Norway maple’s owner Kenneth Birst shares that he raised this tree from a seedling back in 1970. Now it currently stands as the largest Norway maple in North Dakota.

The Register is the official list of the first and second largest trees of each tree species in the state. Using a formula from the National Champion Tree Program, measurements of circumference at 4.5 feet from the ground, height, and average crown spread together award total points for each tree. The tree with the largest number of points is considered the champion of its individual species.

The Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata) owned by Terry Wolf in Bismarck, is a new addition to the Register. This new state champion has a total of 100.5 points for having a circumference of 61 inches, height of 33 feet, and average crown spread of 26 feet.

The champion Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is owned by Stephanie Ropard in Fargo, and was nominated by Monica Pavek. This state champion has a total of 159.25 points for having a circumference of 82 inches, height of 67 feet, and average crown spread of 41 feet.

The Mugo pine (Pinus mugo) owned by Dean and Susan Thompson in Minot, is a new addition to the Register. This tree was nominated by Cullan Thompson. This new state champion has a total of 56.92 points for having a circumference of 28 inches, height of 22 feet, and average crown spread of 27.67 feet.

The new champion Mugo pine may look like a large shrub on the outside, but it began as a single stemmed tree. The National Champion Tree Register has rules and regulations on how to measure a multi-stemmed tree. Owner Susan Thompson shares that its nominator is her son Cullan, who first climbed this tree when he was young. Now Susan’s grandkids find joy in climbing this tree higher than the eaves of the house in every season.

After going without a Norway maple (Acer platanoides) champion for quite some time, the public responded with multiple nominations from across the state. The crowning champion Norway maple is owned by Kenneth Birst in Bismarck. This new state champion has a total of 178.25 points for having a circumference of 127 inches, height of 38 feet, and average crown spread of 53 feet.

A second place champion Norway maple was also recognized. Owned by Pat Bain in Bismarck, the new second place champion has a total of 155 points for having a circumference of 94.5 inches, height of 49 feet, and average crown spread of 46 feet.

The registry also added a new second place champion for green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), owned by Keith Corliss in Fargo. This tree has a total of 206.18 points for having a circumference of 108 inches, height of 84 feet, and average crown spread of 56.72 feet.

Lastly, a new second place champion silver maple (Acer saccharinum) was added, owned by Gerald and Lisa Azure in Bismarck. This tree has a total of 301.25 points for having a circumference of 208 inches, height of 75 feet, and average crown spread of 73 feet.

Champion trees located on public land can usually be visited without a problem. However, if a champion tree is located on private property, the North Dakota Forest Service asks that you respect the landowner and ask permission before making a visit.

The Champion Tree program of North Dakota is led by the NDSU-North Dakota Forest Service. It is patterned after the National Champion Tree Program, which now resides under the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s School of Natural Resources.

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.