In cooperation with the MFS, the Oxford Co. Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) recently completed their first Big Tree contest for Oxford Co. Nominations for the biggest tree of each native Maine species were solicited from landowners, foresters and other interested folks in Oxford Co., similar to the state Big Tree register maintained by the Maine Forest Service for the whole state. The Ox. Co. contest started in May and finished in October, generating dozens of nominations. Some species, like White pine generated multiple nominations from different landowners. District employees, with assistance from District Forester Merle Ring, measured each of the nominations using the same point system as the state register. Winners in each species category were issued a certificate and given a Forest Trees of Maine book, and are listed on the Ox. Co. Big Tree register. A new contest will be started each spring to update the register with new nominations. An Ox. Co. Big Tree booklet has been printed for distribution listing the winners, similar to the state Big Tree booklet.
For more information contact: Jean Federico, Ox. Co. SWCD, 743-5789, Ext. 111. Or visit our Website