Hartsuff Ponderosa pines recognized by forest service program

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Two large Ponderosa pines planted by soldiers at Fort Hartsuff in the 1870s have been recognized by the Nebraska Heritage Tree program, a cooperative effort of the Nebraska Forest Service and the Nebraska Community Forestry Council.

Trees were scarce on the plains due to frequent prairie fires. Some canyons were rarely damaged by fires, however, among which was Jones Canyon near Burwell. It was abundant with trees that the army harvested and used for framing and shingles to construct the fort. Soldiers also dug up saplings and brought them back to the fort for planting. The Ponderosa pines in front of the Officer's Quarters were among the trees successfully moved from Jones Canyon.

The pine trees survived a period of about 80 years in which Fort Hartsuff received little or no maintenance, but in 1961 the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission took it over. The trees once again welcome people to what is now Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park.

The pines will be permanently listed on the Nebraska Forest Service website. Donna Christiansen, Nebraska Community Forestry Council member and volunteer for the Heritage Tree Program, said, "Most communities in Nebraska have historic trees associated with important community events – trees that remain as living witnesses to formative events in the community, trees growing at historic places, birthplaces of Nebraska's historic figures.The Nebraska Heritage Tree Program provides an opportunity for every community across the state to nominate distinctive trees for the program register."

To be considered for the Nebraska Register of Heritage Trees, trees should be:

– Figurative in legend, lore or common perception

– Located at the home of a person who played a significant role in Nebraska history or where a significant event occurred that affected Nebraska's development and its citizens

– The tree was planted by an individual or group whose experience is of significance

– The tree is illustrated in sketches, journals, photographs or writings, related to a historical event

The Nebraska Register of Heritage Trees includes tales, photographs and a journey into Nebraska's past through the special accounts of these famous storytellers. The Nebraska Community Forestry Council is a statewide volunteer organization whose mission is to educate Nebraskans about and advocate for Nebraska's community forests.

To nominate a tree for inclusion into Nebraska's Heritage Tree Program, simply download the form, and submit the completed nomination and photograph to: Eric Berg, Nebraska Forest Service, 102 Forestry Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0815. For more information about the program, call (402) 472-6511 or email eberg2@unl.edu.