During its 1975 General Session, the Utah Legislature enacted Heritage Tree legislation. The Heritage Tree Act requires the preservation of rare, threatened, or vanishing species of trees in order to preserve Utah's scenic beauty and historic past. In part, the act states that its purpose is to "retain as many heritage trees as possible consistent with the reasonable and economic enjoyment of private property."

Defining "Heritage Trees"

According to Utah law, the term 'heritage trees' refers to any tree or group of trees designated by the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands that is indigenous to Utah, or has adapted exceptionally well to the climatic conditions of the state, or is one of a kind and:

• Has exceptional national, state, or local historic significance;
• Has an exceptional size or exceptional form for its species;
• Has an exceptional age for its species; or
• Is the sole representative of its species.

Heritage Tree Advisory Committee

The Heritage Tree Act included creation of the Heritage Trees Advisory Committee, a volunteer committee whose members are appointed by the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands. The committee is made up of members from the Utah Community Forest Council.

Duties of the Heritage Trees Advisory Committee include oversight of guidelines used to grant or deny applications for heritage tree designation; publication and distribution of a register of Utah's heritage trees; and developing a system to identify heritage trees.

Nominate a "Heritage Tree"

You may nominate a tree or group of trees for heritage trees status by completing the following form:

Heritage Trees Nomination Form

For additional information on Heritage Trees, contact Meridith Perkins, Urban Forestry Coordinator, Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands at (801) 538-5505 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .