The Georgia Forestry Commission, Dawson County Tree Preservation Committee, and Keep Dawson County Beautiful are continuing the Champion Tree Program for Dawson County. The first year was very successful as 26 trees were nominated, 18 were crowned Dawson County champions, and 3 were state champions.

The Dawson County Champion Tree Program is associated with the Georgia Forestry Commission’s (GFC),state program and is designed to find the largest trees in the county by species and possibly 'crown' them as state champions. The nomination period is from September 1 through November 14. 2008. Upon receipt of the nomination form, a member of the GFC will come to the location and measure the tree's circumference at 4 1/2 feet above soil line, the tree's height, and the estimated crown. Points will be assigned to the tree based on the state Champion Tree Program. The highest scoring tree by species will be crowned Dawson County Champion Tree, if the tree outscores that species current champion, or the species has no champion.

Trees that appear to score higher than the current state champion will be submitted to the state office for consideration. Any tree growing in Dawson County, whether native, naturalized, or exotic (non-native) may be nominated. Provide as much tree measurement information as you can on the entry form in today's paper. If you cannot provide measurement information, that's ok. Fill in the rest of the form, and mail it to the GFC office at 4500 Highway 53 E. Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 Entry forms may also be obtained in many public places throughout Dawson County.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please provide detailed directions and location. Call the GFC office if you feel it is necessary. If you have GPS coordinates, that would be very helpful, and a photograph of the tree is desirable. Please identify the tree species on the back, along with the names of any persons in the photo. The GFC Forester will not enter private property to measure the tree without the property owner's consent.

We hope the Champion Tree Program will not only bring pride to the owners and nominators, but possibly be the catalyst in understanding the value of trees, and the fact that we are losing many big trees. Designating a tree as a Dawson County Champion does not mean that tree is "untouchable". We certainly hope the tree will be around for many years and continue to grow. We realize that in a growing county like Dawson, some trees will be lost because of development and construction, as well as natural causes. Some trees that are designated Champions may, however, be allowed to continue to grow rather than be replaced by new trees and provide benefits now and for future generations.

All 2008 Dawson County Champion Trees and owners will be recognized February 20, 2009 during the annual Arbor Day celebration. For questions, call Clark Beusse, County Extension Office, 706 265-2442, or The Georgia Forestry Commission, 706 265-3707.