Contact:
Robin Enos
Tree Council
Tel: (401) 764-5885
E-mail: RITree@ritree.org
For Immediate Release
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PROVIDENCE, RI, July 5, 2010—The Rhode Island Tree Council is accepting nominations for The Helen Walker Raleigh Champion Tree Program, which is designed to promote awareness of the contribution trees make to our quality of life by finding and profiling the biggest trees in Rhode Island. Residents who want to nominate a tree can download a nomination form from the RITree Council’s Website (http://www.ritree.org). Or, they can call or write the RITree Council, PO Box 6144, Providence, RI 02940-6144. Tel 401-764-5885. E-mail: ritree@ritree.org .
A champion tree is determined by a point system. Points are awarded to each tree based on measurements taken of its circumference, height, and crown spread. The tree’s point total is then calculated by adding the points derived from the tree’s circumference and spread plus one-quarter of the points for the tree’s crown spread. The tree with the highest total points is the state champion in that particular species. Only one tree from each species is named state champion. More than 90 trees have been crowned state champion already. Over 100 species are without a champion.
“The program’s primary goal is to increase awareness of the enormous contribution trees make to our lives,” says John Campanini, technical adviser to the RITree Council and formerly city forester for Providence. “Our goal is to name a champion in every tree species category in Rhode Island. Begun in 2006, the Champion Tree program is an integral part of RITree’s overall efforts to let people know just how much trees enrich our lives.”
The program’s other goals are developing a database of key trees and shrubs in the state and educating citizens about the state’s botanical heritage. As part of the program, the RITree Council works with owners of champion trees to preserve and protect them. The Champion Tree Program is supported by a grant from the Helen Walker Raleigh Tree Care Trust, which is managed by the Rhode Island Foundation.
The Rhode Island Tree Council is a non-profit, tax-exempt group dedicated to improving the state’s tree resources. Composed of members, professional consultants, and volunteers, the Council administers its programs through its Board of Directors, Advisors, and Trustees. RITree’s mission is to create healthy urban and community forests, which underpin the state’s verdant ecological tapestry, support its vibrant economy, and enrich the lives of residents. Membership is open to all.
For more information about the Champion Tree program, contact the Rhode Island Tree Council P.O. Box 6144, Providence, RI 02940. Tel: (401) 764-5885 or visit the Rhode Island Tree Council’s web site at (www.ritree.org).
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