FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) – A Sitka spruce from the Wrangell Ranger District in the Tongass National Forest has been chosen to represent the 49th state of Alaska as this year’s Christmas tree in the U.S. Capitol.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, “The tree symbolizes the connection Alaskans have to the land they call home, as well as the special relationship between the forests and the tribal communities, partners and sponsors who have come together to send this unique holiday gift to the U.S. Capitol.”
The tree selected was one of eight that the director of the Capitol Grounds and Arboretum had inspected in the forest for the Capitol’s architect, Jim Kaufmann.
“The trees in the Tongass National Forest are large and impressive, but the tree chosen to grace the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol had to be a perfect tree,” Kaufmann said. “The rainforest provides perfect growing conditions, so we had so many great tree candidates to choose from. And in the end, I know we found the perfect Sitka spruce to represent Alaska and its national forests.”
This is the first Capitol tree selected from the Tongass National Forest
“It is a great privilege for the People’s Tree to come from the Tongass this year,” said Frank Sherman, Tongass National Forest Superintendent. “Our staff is thrilled to be part of this historic endeavor, and the Wrangell community has been a great partner. We can’t wait to bring this beautiful tree to the United States and introduce them to the unique wonders of Alaska’s national forests.”
Wrangell will host a farewell celebration for the tree in late October once it is cut down. The tree will be transported in a special 82-foot trailer and shipped to Seattle. From there, it will begin a coast-to-coast tour known as the “Whistlestop Tour.” The goal of the tour is to tell the story of the folk tree from Alaska’s national forests.
When the tree arrives at the Capitol in Washington DC, it will be decorated with thousands of handcrafted ornaments made by Alaskans. A public ceremony and lighting of the tree will be held by the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives in early December.
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