Norway's Legal Protections for
Ancient Oaks
To save the Davis Meeker oak and the few remaining Garry oaks left in Tumwater, we advocate implementation of a system like that in Norway, where old and hollow oaks are protected by law if they are bigger than 6.5 feet circumference, measured at 5 feet up the trunk. Hollow oaks bring so much biodiversity to their surroundings. Many oaks in Norway are centuries old and have become symbols of historical continuity and natural heritage.
Legal Protection
To safeguard these valuable trees, Norway has enacted laws under the Nature Diversity Act:
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Hollow Oaks Protection: Oaks with a trunk diameter of at least 63 cm or a circumference of at least two meters at chest height (1.3 meters above the ground) are classified as hollow oaks and are protected. For visibly hollow oaks, the protection applies to trees with a diameter of at least 30 cm or a circumference of 95 cm.
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Dead Oaks Protection: Even dead hollow oaks are protected due to their significant ecological value.
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Exemptions: Oaks in productive forests are exempt from these protections, but they remain crucial for biodiversity in managed landscapes.
1,000-yr-old dead oak in Norway.
Photo credit: Laila Iren Jensen
Responsibility of Landowners and Authorities
Both private and public landowners, as well as developers, contractors, and public authorities, have a duty to preserve these trees. This involves:
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Case Management: Ensuring that oaks are protected during construction and development projects.
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Property Management: Maintaining and safeguarding oak trees on their land to promote their health and longevity.
Registration
Here is an example of the registration of old oak trees. This map is from the official site of nature mapping in Norway and features red spots where there is valuable nature (mostly old oak trees): https://chatgpt.com/c/5531f889-ab6b-458c-bf9b-e22750d29b87
