CHEYENNE, Wyo. – A rock elm, a downy hawthorne, and a paper birch are among eight new species added to Wyoming’s Champion Tree Register this year, the Wyoming State Forestry Division announced last week.
Wyoming now has 57 Champion Trees. They are selected based on a formula that takes into account height, circumference and canopy spread.
The American Forestry Association launched the national campaign in1940 to locate the largest living specimens of American trees. Wyoming’s harsh environment has prevented any national titles from being won, but state champion trees are still out there waiting to be discovered, WSFD said.
The challenge to all tree lovers is to locate and nominate trees larger than those currently listed, if they exist.
All of this year’s nominations were in Cheyenne, with the exception of Crook County’s paper birch.
Natrona’s champions
A Kentucky coffee tree in Casper was added in 2015. It measures 40 feet tall with a 45 foot canopy spread. Casper also has a 40 foot mulberry champion, added in 2007.
The state champion ponderosa pine, measuring 85 feet tall with a 61 foot crown spread, is located on Casper Mountain. It was added in 2003.
A slideshow of all the campion trees can be found on the Wyoming State Forestry Division website.
