Montana DNRC's Big Tree Website: http://dnrc.mt.gov/forestry/Assistance/BigTree
American Forest's Big Tree Website: http://www.americanforests.org/our-programs/bigtree
Dan Rogers of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and coordinator of Montana's Big Tree Register encourages people to take up this sport. "Big tree hunting has become a hobby of many–a few may even call it an addiction. These trees are out there and may live their entire lives without human eyes ever falling on them. You might also be walking by them daily as they exist in your neighborhood parks, backyards, and cemeter- ies. Seeking out and finding the biggest of anything can be a thrilling adventure."
If you feel you have what it takes to become a "Big Tree Hunter," look into your state's program and pick up a copy of the Big Tree Register and nomination form. Break out your D-tape and have a camera while you stroll along your local streets. You can also tap into your local foresters for assistance in measuring a potential candidate. Remember, yours may even be big enough to knock off one of the national champion Big Trees.
(right) Montana state champion Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) in Lolo National Forest, MT • Photo: Sylvia McNeil
(below) Arborist Steve Riley and Dano Pulver measure a black walnut (Juglans nigra) candidate in Billings, Montana • Photo: Fred Bicha
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