Oregon Heritage Tree Program State Designation Process

The Oregon Heritage Tree Program, launched in 1996 as the nation's first state-sponsored program of its kind, is run by the Oregon Travel Information Council (a state agency created under ORS 377.835) and a volunteer committee. It reviews public nominations and designates trees with exceptional historical, cultural, ecological, or aesthetic value. Designated trees receive a plaque and public recognition, but designation requires the owner's consent and does not override local removal authority on private land. On state-owned property, designation creates preservation expectations for the managing agency. Local governments may adopt their own heritage-tree ordinances providing additional protection.

On private land, state designation carries no penalty and imposes no removal restriction unless a local ordinance adopts protections. On state-owned land, removing a designated tree without authorization violates agency management rules.