A community effort that helped save a 106-year-old eastern cottonwood champion tree in Leland from being felled has inspired others to pursue the establishment of Leland Township Tree Restoration Project.

At its meeting Monday night, the Leland Township Board unanimously supported the idea of having a citizen-led tree project committee explore the feasibility of working with Champion Tree Project International to place clones of champion trees throughout the township.

Terry Stanton and Nancy Miller spoke to the board about forming the committee, which if established would conduct a feasibility study on the cost for planting champion tree clones and other trees.

Stanton said the New York Times plans to do a story on the champion tree project, and will have someone in Leland next Tuesday. The story will profile the efforts to save the Leland tree, and spotlight Champion Tree Project International, a Copemish-based organization run by the father-son team of David and Jared Milarch.

“We have an opportunity with the New York Times being here to generate a lot of publicity about our efforts and do some fundraising at the state and national level as well as locally,” Stanton said. He said the Leland tree will also be featured in documentary film about champion trees.

Based on a handout presented to the board, the township tree project would work with the David or Jared Milarch to determine the best locations for champion tree clones. Stated benefits include restoring and preserving the watershed, saving energy, reducing greenhouse gases, removing pollutants, reducing stormwater runoff, and public education.

Township Board members in general supported the idea. Stanton also asked the board to provide names of people who might be interested in serving on the citizens committee.