REGISTER OBJECTIVES, EXPLANATIONS, DEFINITIONS & CONDITIONS

On the website, the Register will present the National Champion, the State Champion, and the Regional Champion [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 archive the records of the two largest specimens of each tree species in the Queensland and New South Wales Regions; to archive the records of the three largest specimens of each tree species in the other States.

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 work closely with all Federal and State Forestry Departments, Environmental Departments, and National Parks. This close cooperation, and website linking, will extend to all Shire, Regional, City and Town Councils, Greening Australia, Botanical Gardens and the National Trust of Australia. A specific goal of the Register is to link to, and support, all local authorities and organisations that have records of Significant Trees. The reciprocal linking of their websites to the Register is an important component in this process.

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

Listing 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 could be listed for a period to let visitors know about the tree.

At times, trees that are not the Champions, but have significant features, will temporarily be included for reasons of interest and reference. These trees may also be attached to the National Champion of the species.

Botanical 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.

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, may also be listed.

Tree data

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

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.