Bowling Green, KY Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

Bowling Green Chapter XXVI uses the term 'public tree' (§ 26-2) for trees in the right-of-way or on City property — there is no 'heritage tree,' 'specimen tree,' or 'protected tree' category that creates additional permit-removal restrictions. The Bowling Green Tree Advisory Board (§ 26-4) and the Sierra Club of Bowling Green run the 'Big Trees of Bowling Green' community inventory documenting the city's largest specimens — this is informational and does not impose legal protection beyond what § 26-8 already requires for public trees. Statewide, the Kentucky Division of Forestry within the Energy and Environment Cabinet (KRS Chapter 149) administers the Kentucky Champion Trees program — 96+ species are listed, 10 of which are also National Champions (including pignut hickory in Allen County, the county immediately east of Warren County). The National Register of Champion Trees is maintained by the National Champion Tree Program (nationalchampiontree.org). Champion or near-champion designation is honorary recognition; it does not override the City's § 26-8 process for public trees or create a new restriction on private trees. On private property, a champion tree may still be removed by the owner with no City permit (Kentucky has no statewide private-tree protection).