Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District seeks biggest beech tree

Community report

The Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District is currently seeking nominations for the 2018 Geauga County Big Tree Contest.

The 2018 featured tree species is the American Beech (Fagus grandifolia). Participants will submit a nomination for an American Beech tree which they believe might be the largest in the county, according to a news release.

After all nominations are submitted, qualified personnel will verify the measurements using the ODNR Division of Forestry’s Big Tree Program procedures. Each tree will receive a score based on trunk circumference, crown spread, and total height to determine the winner.

In addition, the district will consider each tree’s ability to capture stormwater along with other economical benefits, the release stated.

Nominations must be submitted to Geauga SWCD no later than 3:30 p.m., July 31. Email gprunty@geaugaswcd.com or submit in person or through the mail to the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District, PO Box 410, 14269 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton, OH 44021.

For more information and guidelines, visit geaugaswcd.com or contact the district at 440-834-1122 or gprunty@geaugaswd.com.