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CTC ProgramsLearn about all the Colorado Tree Coalition programs with this narrated PowerPoint presentation created by Susan Hardin. Awards & ScholarshipsCommuniTree AwardsThe Colorado Tree Coalition is dedicated to preserving, renewing and enhancing Colorado’s valued urban and community forests. The Awards Program wishes to keep this mission in mind and recognize individuals, organizations, businesses, communities and governments involved in unique and unusual projects that have made a positive impact on tree resources within Colorado. Nomination Checklist
Award ThemeEligible nominations must be involved in tree related themes that focus on CTC's mission statement: preserving, renewing and enhancing Colorado’s valued urban and community forests. Make a nominationNominations can be made by completing and submitting the form below. Please email your supplemental information to Keith Wood at keith.wood@colostate.edu. ScholarshipsThe Colorado Tree Coalition can provide financial assistance for attending conferences and workshops throughout the year. Because of theimited amount of money available, it is required of all who request assistance to follow these guidelines:
Scholarship requests can be made by completing and submitting the form below. The request should contain the name and location of the conference, what is hoped to be learned at the event, and how it will be a[pplied in your current position. Your request will be sent to the CTC Board or Executive Board for their consideration. The board of CTC is committed to education and is seeking additional funds so the scholarship program can be expanded and more people throughout Colorado can benefit from the various educational opportunities available. | |
CommuniTree Award
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GrantsThe CTC grant program is made possible by the support and funding of the USDA Forest Service and the Colorado State Forest Service through the Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Act, providing for urban forestry education, technical assistance, and research. In Colorado, the Colorado Tree Coalition (a 501C3 non-profit) administers the grant program with support from the Colorado State Forest Service. Please note these important criteria for the grant program:
Please read the Cover Letter section below before completing your application. If you have questions or would like to volunteer in this program, contact CTC Grant Program Manager Keith Wood at Keith.Wood@ColoState.edu or 303-438-9338. Colorado Tree Coalition Tree Grant
Xcel Energy Vegetation Management Grant
2013 Colorado Tree Coalition Grant RecipientsThe Colorado Tree Coalition grant program has provided over $696,000 to plant 68,600 trees in communities across Colorado since 1991. These grants have been matched with over $7.6 million in community money and/or time. CTC Community Forestry Grant Projects ($20,708)
Xcel Energy Foundation Grant Projects ($24,000)
Xcel Energy Vegetation Management ($3,000)
ReForest Colorado Grant Project ($10,000)
USFS Community Forestry Grant ($25,000)
2013 Xcel Foundation GrantThe Colorado Tree Coalition received $25,000 from the Xcel Foundation for 2013 tree planting projects! |
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CTC grant recipients
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Champion TreesColorado has many large and beautiful trees and The CTC Champion Tree Program maintains records of the largest trees in the state. Each year we accept nominations from rural and urban areas all over the state. The annual deadline is November 1st, and after that the search begins again for even bigger trees. You don't need to be an expert or a forester to nominate a tree. If you know of a large tree you'd like to nominate, use the links below for more information on how to measure and nominate a tree. Bring Home the BlueThe Colorado Tree Coalition is offering a $500 reward to the individual responsible for "Bringing Home the Blue." This fantastic reward is available to whoever finds a large enough Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) to dethrone the current National Champion growing in Utah. To claim the reward you must find a blue spruce with measurements that score higher than the 328 points of the Utah interloper: the Utah tree is 127 feet tall with a circumference of 190 inches (over 5 feet in diameter!) and an average crown spread of 43 feet. The current Colorado champion blue spruce is growing in the San Juan Natioonal forest and scores 289 points: Colorado's Champion is 153 feet tall with a circumference of 129 inches and an average crown spread of 26 feet. Colorado is certainly capable of growing the largest blue spruce in the nation and it's likely growing here and just waiting for some "big tree hunter" to find it and claim the prize. Get your boots on, your tape measure and camera in hand and go out there and "Bring Home the Blue," you could claim the $500 reward! State Champ RegistryThe Colorado Tree Coalition Champion Tree Program maintains a database with records of over 700 trees. Trees are listed in the registry by their common names. The listing only includes the general location of the tree. Contact the Colorado Tree Coalition for specific information.
See the two Colorado trees on listed on the American Forests Register of Big Tree in the sidebar on this page. National Champion Cottonwood Tree has died: This stately tree, estimated to be over 145 years old, 105 feet tall and nearly nine feet in diameter, has recently met its demise. Read here to find out how they are honoring this large cottonwood. Our National ChampionsThe state of Colorado has two National Champion Trees, Visit the American Forests Register of National Big Trees for more information. Colorado's two National champion trees are listed on the on the sidebar to the right. Nominating a Potential Champion Tree The annual deadline for nominations is November 1. All tree owners must be contacted, and all nominations must be verified prior to nomination submission. Click on the map below to locate the Colorado State Forest Service forester in your area to verify your nomination.
Complete a nomination form and submit it to CTC: Make sure to fill in the following information:
Your nomination will be reviewed after the annual deadline. If your tree has the highest total points for its type (according to the American Forests formula), you will receive a letter of congratulations and a certificate. If the tree is not the largest, your nomination will be kept on file. If the tree is a national champion candidate, your nomination will be forwarded to American Forests for consideration. State champion trees should be checked and re-measured at least every 10 years. If you're re-measuring a tree, please send an email to Neal Bamesberger at nbamesberg871@hotmail.com, listing the exact location of the tree, the new (verified) measurements and any other new information about the tree's condition, owners, etc. How to Measure a TreeCircumference Measurement
Height Measurement To measure a tree's height, an Abney hand level, clinometer, or transit is recommended. If none of these are available, you can estimate the height using a straight stick cut to the exact length of your arm. Walk away from the tree to a point where, by holding the stick vertically at armís length, the entire tree's vertical centerline is hidden behind the stick. This method works best when you are at the same elevation as the base of the tree. Measure the distance to the base of the tree -- this distance will be approximately the same as the tree's height. Crown Spread Measurement Measure both the widest spread of the crown and the narrowest spread of the crown. Add the two measurements together, and divide by two to obtain the average crown spread. Total Point Value The Colorado Tree Coalition will calculate the official Total Points for each nominated tree. The total point value for a tree, according to American Forests, is calculated as follows:
List of VerifiersAll new nominations must be verified prior to submittal of the form. Visit the Colorado State Forest Service's website for the forester in your area to verify your nomination. |
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Colorado State ChampionsColorado is proud to have two trees on the American Forests Register of Big Trees.
Common Name: Bristlecone Pine
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Tree Risk AssessmentA hazard tree is a tree with a defect located near a target. Hazard trees are those trees with a structural defect and location that increases the chance of failing and hitting a target. The combination of a defect and target can result in property damage or personal injury. Urban area defective tree evaluation and analysisWhen developing an inspection program, the tree manager is faced with making decisions on where to start. Compounding this effort is the need for wise use of limited funds. The Urban Area Defective Tree Evaluation and Analysis System is a systematic process designed to assist tree managers with initiating tree inspections and prioritizing hazard trees. Whether inspecting a single yard with multiple trees, developing a street tree inventory, or reviewing large properties, this system will be helpful. Hazard tree programs should include three steps: identification, documentation, and corrective action. The Urban Area Defective Tree Evaluation and Analysis System evaluates tree species, potential targets, and defects present to identify and document hazard trees. The corrective action will always be the decision of the tree manager! The system begins with a defective tree rating form to determine the hazard rating of all trees. This inspection may be completed with minimally trained staff. All trees with a high rating are then rated again by a trained arborist or forester using a defective tree priority analysis form. The defective tree priority values assist the manager in developing an action plan. Corrective action should begin as soon as possible, starting with the highest priority and working down the list as funding allows. Resources
Hazard Tree Committee members
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Tree Risk Assessment
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Notable TreesA notable tree is one that is remarkable or distinguishable in some way, or related to a famous or historical person, place or event. A tree may also be notable if the surrounding community accepts it as being special based upon its species, uniqueness, or contribution to the community. Many of the trees in these tours are notable because they are among the largest of their species in Colorado and are called Champion Trees. Notable Tree Tours (pdf)The CTC is no longer producing the Notable Tree Calendar. We had a good 10 year run and we hope to develop a photo book or phone application to replace the calendar in the next year. | |
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Trees Across Colorado
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Colorado Tree Trust & ReForest ColoradoThe Colorado Tree Coalition has two established donation funds, ReForest Colorado (formerly known as the Community Forest Disaster Fund), a fund with the purpose of not only helping restore communities affected by natural disasters but to plant trees in areas in need of tree cover in general, and the Colorado Tree Trust (CTT), an endowment to secure funds for future tree planting and care projects. In 2002, Colorado witnessed the worst fires season in the states history. In response the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, working with the Colorado State Forest Service created ReForest Colorado, a fund to help replant areas devastated by wildfire. In 2003, ReForest Colorado planted more than 41,000 trees in communities and watersheds affected by the wildfires. Since then the Colorado Tree Coalition has partnered in these efforts. Additionally the scope of the program has expanded to include communities affected by all forms of natural disasters including hail, snowstorms, tornadoes, and wild fire. To date funds have been used at Glenwood Springs following the Coal Seam fire, Northern Colorado following the Picnic Rock fire, and the Town of Holly after the tornado. Additionally, following the Hayman fire, funds have been used annually to do restoration work at Cheesman reservoir, a major water source for the Denver Metro area. Plans are underway to assist the Town of Ordway with reforestation funds in 2009. Following a disaster, rebuilding the lives and the homes of the people affected is, and should remain, our highest priority. But soon people within these areas want to rebuild something else – their community. Be it a neighborhood, a subdivision, a town or a city they want it restored. And more times than not, trees play an important part in the restoring and healing process. ReForest Colorado funds are used in replanting efforts, helping restore the community. ReForest Colorado and Colorado Tree Trust funds come from individuals, non-profit groups, businesses and corporations. All contributions go to affected communities for tree planting and tree related expenses. If you have a project that needs funding fill out the ReForest Colorado Application and e-mail it to Keith Wood at keith.wood@colostate.edu. If you are interested in volunteering for either of these programs, use the form on the Contact Us page to let us know your interest. Please donations to the Colorado Tree Trust and Reforest Colorado through the CTC Store. |
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Reforest Colorado
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Tour de Poudre Bike RideThe Tour de Poudre is a one-day, bike ride starting and ending at New Belgium Brewery, 500 Linden Street, in Fort Collins, Colorado to raise money for tree planting and tree research. You can choose the longer route -- approximately 60 miles, or a shorter route -- approximately 35 miles. The first ride, The Cottonwood Classic, started in Hygiene, Colorado near the National Champion Plains Cottonwood Tree in 1990. In this, our fourteenth ride, we will ride along the scenic Poudre River and continue fundraising for trees. To date, we have raised ten thousand dollars for trees. Join us and help grow this success! We are accepting online registrations or complete pdf form and mail now! Costs (non-refundable)
Fee includes commemorative event Tshirt for the first 50 participants. Why ride or support the cause? Besides the food, fun and fellowship with other bike riders, you are also helping to improve community trees both in Colorado and across the world. The rides will take you along the scenic Poudre River trail from Fort Collins to Greeley and back. Where will your money go? The proceeds from the ride will be split between The Colorado Tree Coalition (CTC) and the Tree Research & Education Endowment Fund, known as the TREE Fund. The CTC's mission is to lead statewide efforts to preserve, renew and enhance community forests through tree planting grants, workshops and assistance on proper tree care. When should you sign up? Today! Space is limited. Registration is on a first come-first served basis. All riders' funds and a list of donors with names and addresses must accompany the registrations, but that doesn't mean you have to pay for it yourself. Ask businesses, friends, family, and co-workers to help sponsor you in the event. Check with your employer, they may be able to help with your fundraising or even match the funds you have raised. If your employer has a wellness program, that might be another source to consider as well. The CTC will provide letters for tax purposes. The routes The 60 mile ride to Greeley and back sets off at 7:30 a.m. The 35 mile ride to Windsor and back starts at 8:30 a.m. Both rides start and finish at New Belgium Brewery, 500 Linden St. in Fort Collins. Both routes follow the scenic Poudre River trail on mostly paved surfaces to accommodate all bike styles. We will provide detailed route notes and a map for each rider as they sign in the day of the ride. |
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Tour de Poudre
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Colorado Arbor Day
Poster Contest
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| Colorado Tree Coalition | P.O. Box 808 | Broomfield, Colorado 80038-0808 | Contact us |