(KXNET) — We often hear about the biggest walleye or trout caught in North Dakota. We also hear about the biggest elk or pronghorn. But when was the last time you heard about the biggest Green Ash or Eastern Cottonwood in the state? These are among North Dakota's Champion Trees, found in a special tree registry. Amur maple tree, USDA Research Station, Mandan And you might have the next record listing on your property. The Champion Tree program pays homage to the biggest native and non-native tree species in North Dakota. Just like fishing and hunting records, people measure and submit record-size trees located on their property or on public lands. When verified, the tree is listed as the top entry in its category and the owner receives a certificate from the state. The Champion Tree program began in 1984 as an Arbor Day contest sponsored by the ND Society of American Foresters and the ND Tree Farm Committee to find the largest of each native tree species in the state. In 1986, the North Dakota Forest Service and Centennial Trees Commission joined as sponsors. The “ND Champion Tree Register” was renamed and expanded to include native and naturalized non-native trees. Black locust tree, NDSU campus The NDSU-North Dakota Forest Service currently maintains and updates the records for the Champion Tree Program. Nominations for the largest tree of each genus and species are accepted throughout the year, and are due no later than December 31. The register is then updated with the new champions and released around Arbor Day during the next year. There are 20 different categories for native trees and more than twice that amount for non-native species. In many cases, the registry includes photos of the record trees. What constitutes a record tree? It's a combination of the tree's height, the circumference of its trunk and the "crown spread" of the tree, essentially its width from one side to the other. After a little math with the numbers, you get the total points for the tree. Those with the highest numbers are added to the registry and remain there until either a bigger tree is submitted, or the tree dies or is removed. You can view the Champion Tree registry here. You can also view an interactive version of the registry here. And you can download the nomination form here. So, check tour yard — you just may have the next Champion Tree in North Dakota. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW