A colossal swamp chestnut oak tree rooted in Jennings County, Indiana, has clinched the title of the largest of its kind in the United States according to the National Champion Tree program, FOX59 reports. The tree occupies a slice of private farmland owned by Richard and Kris Schepman near Crothersville, soaring to a majestic height of 95 feet and boasting a robust circumference of 318 inches, with its canopy stretching an impressive 118 feet across.
During a visit to the Schepman's property, Indiana Governor Mike Braun bestowed a certificate upon the family, honoring their diligent care and conservation efforts that have allowed this towering arboreal giant to thrive; the tree has garnered a score of 442.5 from the national registry, "Over the last century, Indiana’s forested land has substantially grown as a result of Hoosiers’ conservation work and responsible stewardship," Governor Braun expressed, as quoted by Eagle Country Online, "The Schepman family and private landowners across the state deserve high praise for their commitment to growing healthy trees like this giant in Jennings County, which I hope continues to stand tall for generations of future Hoosiers to enjoy."
While the tree itself is not up for public viewing due to its location on private land, it stands as a testament to the growth of Indiana's forested areas and the contributions of private landowners in environmental conservation efforts, according to a statement obtained by WWBL.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), through its Division of Forestry, was instrumental in bringing the tree to the attention of the National Champion Tree program, also maintaining a comprehensive tally of the largest-known native trees for every species in the state, which includes the record-breaking swamp chestnut oak in question, the DNR Division of Forestry, which maintains a list of Indiana’s largest known tree of each of the state’s native species notified the national program of the tree, and its record score of 442.5, according to the same Eagle Country Online report.
