A few weeks ago, I wrote a column on my totally amateurist thoughts about a tree in Riverside Park that might be a Comanche marker tree. In return, I got an email from the Indian Marker Tree project coordinator with the Texas Historic Tree Coalition, asking for more information on the tree. As it turns out, we could actually have a genuine marker tree in the park! The Comanche themselves will make the ultimate decision on this, if the tree passes the initial process.
Of course, I have impressed myself; however, as someone who is more of a romantic daydreamer than an on the ground arborist, some of the information they would like to receive looks to be beyond my pay grade. I will put the email sent from the historical organization below, in hopes that someone out there might be interested in working to positively identify the tree as a live oak or some other brand (I am not trusting absolutely my own assessment), and in helping with the process of measuring etc. (stuff that I fear I might be able to mess up badly!)
Here is the email. Please let me know by contacting BrownwoodNews if you are a tree enthusiast interested in helping with this project.
Hello Diane,
Steve Houser enjoyed your article and was impressed with the tree as well as your knowledge of Comanche Marker Trees. Some of the information I’m attaching about Indian marker trees (IMTs) and the process for recognizing them may not be necessary, but I would rather duplicate information than not share it all. I’m also attaching a nomination form (as a Word document and a PDF).
We are hoping the tree is not a Live Oak or a Mesquite (though it doesn’t appear to be a Mesquite from what we can tell). These are two tree species the Comanche are not inclined to be interested in for a couple of reasons. The first is due to the odd and irregular growth patterns of these two species of trees. Because of their odd growth habits, they produce many ‘imposter’ IMTs. In addition, Live Oaks are difficult and sometimes impossible to date. Since they are semi-evergreen trees, they do not typically produce growth rings because they don’t have a dormant season. Mesquite tree growth rings are even more undiscernible, typical of most desert species.
If you prefer to send the species along with a couple of diameter or circumference measurements (see picture with locations to measure marked), we can determine if the tree has the potential to be an IMT. If it has potential, then we can request the nomination form. If you want to go ahead and complete the nomination form, you are certainly welcome to do so. Being a Live Oak does not rule it out, but we have not had a Live Oak make it past the initial ruling phase with the Comanche. And, it is a lot of work to research and prepare a tree nomination for presentation to the Comanche and Mr. Houser will be reluctant to present one without overwhelmingly compelling evidence.
If you send the measurements, please let us know if they are diameter or circumference. And, if you can take another picture of the tree similar to the one below but with a person standing next to it, this will offer perspective.
It is a remarkable tree, marker tree or not, and we look forward to learning more about it. Thank you for introducing it to us.
Here is a link to my previous column about the tree: https://www.brownwoodnews.com/2022/12/01/diane-adams-comanche-marker-tree-in-the-park/
***
Diane Adams is a local journalist whose columns and articles appear periodically on BrownwoodNews.com
