Native Tree Society BBS

NTS, The main instrument I use for measuring tree heights is a Laser Technology, Inc. Trupulse 200X. It's a fine piece of equipment: reliable, accurate, and rugged; however, occasionally (actually often) I drop it several feet, knock it against trees and/or rocks, and generally abuse it. The 200X ha...

Brian, As regards Virginia tree heights, I agree. That Ragged Mountain is the pinnacle of Virginia tree sites is highly unlikely; if I still lived in the area, I would focus on areas south and probably west of Charlottesville. James Madison’s Montpelier also has a 170’-class Tuliptree and a 150’-cla...

NTS, Yesterday I wrapped up my latest survey of the five Irondequoit Bay parks. With the exception of an American Basswood in Ellison Park, all trees comprising the Rucker Indices of each park were measured in 2020. I also misidentified a Shagbark Hickory as a Bitternut Hickory in Ellison Park previ...

Brian,

Sweet find. Did you see the report I wrote on Ragged Mountain Reservoir in VA? It has two 150’+ Red Oaks, the taller one 156.0’. I had assumed the species got into the 160s, but I guess I was wrong. The VA tree I think is also around 100 years old and has an apical growth form.

Elijah

Kouta, I don’t know why the daily digest isn’t working for you. I receive one every day, provided someone has posted something. I don’t know see how being from Europe would make any difference in how the BBS functions. I’ll send you a private message with a couple of contacts who may be able to help...

NTS, Last month I returned to Durand Eastman and remeasured several trees. The Rucker Index is still a little shy of 130’, but it’s getting closer. Here are my measurements: *NY maximum height Black Oak Quercus velutina 128.8’ Red Maple Acer rubrum 128.0’ American Beech Fagus grandifolia 126.1’* Bla...

Ryan, Don’t get too down on yourself. You’re doing the right thing by repeating your measurements and noting differences in equipment performance. I’ve gone through the same process myself and shared some of my results on the BBS. To get a better handle on the accuracy of your hypsometer and/or lase...

NTS, I forgot to mention that I also got some more age data from fallen and cut trees in the purported old growth area uphill and west of Round Lake. The center of this area is dominated by a Tuliptree “Cathedral,” as described by Tom Howard. The following trees I have rough ages for (relying on gro...

NTS, I made a visit to Green Lakes earlier today for the purpose of updating its Rucker Index, which now stands at 131.9’. All trees listed below were measured today except for the White Pine, which was last measured just over a year ago. Tuliptree 151.4’ x 10.63’ Bitternut Hickory 141.0’ x 5.16’ Ea...

Lucas, I’ve heard of Colonel Kelly and the Dollarhide Club, but know very little about either. Part of the problem is that I’ve never been very interested in turkey hunting, I guess. After doing a little research online, the club land might be worth a visit, assuming one could get permission. Thanks...