National Tree Trust
Partnership Developed
to Preserve America's Champion Trees
Through Cloning
Innovative Biotechnology Solution
First Used by Champion Tree Project
WASHINGTON, DC—The future of America's majestic trees has found new security as the National Tree Trust has agreed to join the effort to collect and preserve genetic material from the nation's champion trees. In a pioneering mission first introduced by Champion Tree Project, tissue samples and DNA from the largest known examples of hundreds of America's tree species will be gathered to learn more about their longevity and growth, and to save them for future generations.
In what might be the most groundbreaking aspect of the project, scientists and arborists will work to clone these tree species. This will allow anyone to plant exact genetic duplicates of these champions, which stand as striking examples of a natural resource essential to the health of the earth 's ecosystems.
"A champion tree is the biggest and often the oldest specimen of its species," explains David Milarch, a Michigan tree farmer who, along with son, Jared, created the Champion Tree Project. "These great, green giants had the genes and good luck to survive recent centuries of industrialization, development, deforestation and devastation. They are the hardiest, sturdiest, most resistant and best bred of their family and species. They are the gold medallists of their kind."
Understanding the value of this project to the future of American forestry, the National Tree Trust has committed itself as a full partner in the effort to gather and protect the genetic material of the largest examples of the nation's many tree species.
"We are delighted to join in this important mission, as it strikes directly at what the National Tree Trust is all about," explains George Cates, Executive Director of National Tree Trust. "America trusts us to promote the growth and maintenance of trees in every kind of community, rural or urban. What better way to enhance awareness of all that trees give us than to use cutting-edge technology to preserve for future generations the building blocks of these champions that come from all corners of the nation."
Champion Tree Project and National Tree Trust provide samples of all the collected material to universities and research facilities for study. The cloning project will allow anyone in future years to plant the genetic duplicates of the champions. These duplicates may not attain the precise size of the champion itself—environmental factors and proper care are key to the health of any tree planted—but they have the genetic potential inherent within which allowed the original champion to become a champion.
In addition to giving any American the opportunity to plant their own genetic champion, the ability to propagate these duplicates will revolutionize community forestry. For instance, the harsh environment faced by trees planted in urban settings reduces their lifespan to miniscule proportions. American cities will soon have an opportunity to plant the genetic champion of an appropriate tree species. These urban trees will have the potential to resist the pollution and severe treatment in a manner that allowed its "champion parent" to thrive throughout the centuries, from an agrarian to an industrialized society.
The project is already restoring community spirit. "In 1997, we collected samples from the National Champion Silver Buttonwood in Key West, Florida," explains Milarch. "In 1998, Hurricane Georges severely damaged that tree. Hurricane Irene killed it off in 1999. We were able to replace it with dozens of clones from the champion. Nature took away what she gave us, but think of what these new Champion Silver Buttonwood clones mean for the people in the Keys who loved that old tree."
Aside from the elements, time is also an enemy. "There are more than 800 tree species in America that await collection of their genetics," explains Cates. "And not all the champions have been identified. In addition, some were first registered as champions 60 years ago and may now have been surpassed in size."
To help identify national and state champions, and to speed the collection and preservation of samples before the trees disappear, National Tree Trust and Champion Tree Project encourage businesses and individuals to join in sponsoring the project. For information on contributing to the effort, contact National Tree Trust at 1-800-846-TREE (8733). Technical support for the project comes from a variety of academic sources, including scientists from the University of Maryland, University of Florida, Western Michigan University and the International Society of Arboriculture, among others.
The National Tree Trust is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2000. For additional information about National Tree Trust programs, visit their website: www.nationaltreetrust.org.
The Champion Tree Project, Inc. is a not-for-profit membership organization with chapters incorporated in Michigan, Montana, Florida and New York. For more information about Champion Tree Project, visit their website.
9/11 Memorial
Under leadership of George Cates (Major-General ret., U.S. Marines), Champion Tree Project Facilitator of The National Tree Trust, in April 2002, a memorial planting of ChampTrees™ will be made to honor all those who died in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon.
David Milarch
Terry Mock
Gen. George Cates
plants a ChampTree™ Red Ash
at the 2002 Winter Olympics
National Champion
White Ash
Palisades, New York
crown spread = 95 feet
SOURCE: NATIONAL TREE TRUST