Register Objectives : National Register of Big Trees



Register Objectives

REGISTER OBJECTIVES, EXPLANATIONS, DEFINITIONS & CONDITIONS

For every species of tree in Australia, the Register records the National Champions, the State Champions, and the Regional Champions [within New South Wales & Queensland].

The reason for creating the State and Regions' categories is to promote a vibrant rivalry between the States and Regions. It has a practical benefit too; tree lovers can nominate, and visit, their Regional and State Champions without travelling across Australia.

Objectives

To promote the preservation of big trees as impressive examples of tree growth, natural beauty, valuable genetic resources, and inspiring symbols of conservation. Many of our big trees are situated on privately owned land. Recognition of big tree preservation is a significant contribution to conservation on the part of the landowners, and is an intrinsic element of the project.

To promote the preservation and propagation of trees for; environmental, commercial, recreational, and domestic purposes.

Listing process and conditions

When trees have a Points score that is within 5% of each other, they are Co-Champions.

If a nominated tree is closely outside of this margin, it will be listed for a period to let visitors know about the tree.

At times, nominated trees that are not the Champions, but have significant features, will temporarily be included for reasons of interest and reference.

Botanic Gardens often have the Champion trees. These trees will be listed as the Champion, but in some instances, other runner-up trees outside the Gardens, will be listed so that tree enthusiasts have a wider geographical range of trees to visit. Many native trees growing in Botanic Gardens are not necessarily representative of the tree species growing in its natural environment.

Some trees are nominated and their locations are a nominator's secret; or are on private property and not viewable by the public; or are inaccessible. In cases like this, the tree will be on the website, but the next highest Points tree of the same species that can be seen by the public, will also be listed.

Most nominated trees are added to the Register. After a few weeks the tree is reviewed. If not large enough, or non-complying [multi-stemmed], the tree is removed. If a tree is clearly non-complying when nominated, the nomination will not be accepted. If a tree is significantly smaller than trees already listed on the Register, its nomination will not be accepted.

A tree may be retained in the Archive if it is close to being a Champion. Trees that are significantly smaller than a normal sized tree of a species, will not be retained on the Register.

Nominator

The person who first nominates a tree remains the nominator of the tree for its life on the Register. The name of the person who has most recently measured and/or photographed the tree will be recorded under Notes.

Tree data

Under TREE DATA, full details of all trees on the Register are recorded.

Archive

The Archive Register is a secondary register that includes most past-Champions, high scoring trees that are not quite big enough - yet, and other trees of significance that meet no other objective other than that they are magnificent representatives of their species. It falls under the TREE DATA section.