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Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Celebrates Silver State Spirit with Capitol Christmas Tree Theme 

Call for 10,000 Handmade Ornaments 

SPARKS, Nev., Feb. 25, 2025— The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is excited to announce the theme for the 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree: Starry Skies to Neon Lights—Spirit of the Silver State.  For the first time, “The People’s Tree” will be harvested here in Nevada, decorated by Nevadans and transported to our nation’s capital for the holiday season. 

“Our 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree theme highlights what’s special about the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and the state of Nevada,” said Forest Supervisor Jon Stansfield.  “From the city lights of Las Vegas and Reno to the wide-open night skies of rural Nevada, the spirit of the past echoes on the “Loneliest Road in America,” and the spirit of the future beckons in mining towns, bustling ranches, and gateway communities that lead to adventure on the national forest.”  

With the theme established, the Forest Service is calling on Nevadans to craft thousands of handmade ornaments to decorate the Capitol Christmas Tree and accompanying smaller trees. This includes 3,500 brightly-colored ornaments, nine to twelve inches in size, that are weatherproof to withstand wind, rain, and snow.  An additional 6,500 smaller ornaments, four to ten inches in size, will adorn the indoor trees and don’t need to be weatherproof.  

The Humbold-Toiyabe and partners will host ornament-making events throughout the year. Look for an event or craft and submit an ornament on your own. The US Capitol Christmas Tree site features ornament examples and how-to guides. Ideas for interpreting the 2025 theme include:  

  • Uniquely Nevada- capture the spirit of “Home Means Nevada” 
  • Iconic landscapes and special places in Nevada 
  • Multiple use and how Nevadans enjoy their public lands 
  • The wild plants, animals, and geology of Nevada 
  • Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl 

Create your ornament using natural, recyclable, and repurposed materials. Don’t use sharp materials that could pose a danger or interfere with tree lighting. Ornaments may not include commercial logos or be divisive or offensive. Ornaments cannot be returned.  

The deadline to submit ornaments is September 15, 2025. Drop them off at any Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest office or mail them to: 

2025 Capitol Christmas Tree Ornaments 
1536 South Carson Street 
Carson City, Nevada 89701 

The Forest is also looking for surplus crafting, sewing, and clean recyclable materials that can be used to make ornaments at events across the state. Drop off materials at any Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest office. 

Contact Courtney Ghiglieri at courtney.ghiglieri@usda.gov or 775-884-8150 for additional information about creating U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree ornaments and how your group or community can get involved. 

The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest has partnered with the Society of American Foresters and Sierra Forever, non-profit organizations that will assist in a year-long education campaign about the multiple-use mission of the Forest Service and the 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. The initiative is made possible with support from various partners with cash and in-kind contributions from companies large and small, along with vital support from volunteers locally and across America. 

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest to provide 2025 US Capital Christmas Tree

SPARKS, Nev., Jan. 28, 2025— The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is proud to announce that it has been selected to provide the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in 2025. This will mark the first time the United States Forest Service will harvest the tree from the Humboldt-Toiyabe and the state of Nevada.  

“Nevada’s rugged, wide-open landscapes are a hallmark of our culture and a cornerstone of our economy,” said Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo. “In the spirit of shared stewardship, the state of Nevada looks forward to partnering with the U.S. Forest Service to provide the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree and showcase what’s special about the Silver State.” 

“We are so excited for the Silver State to have the opportunity to share a piece of its natural beauty with the rest of the country,” said Senator Cortez Masto on behalf of the entire Nevada Congressional delegation. “A Christmas tree from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest will spark the joy of the holiday season for all Americans, and it will deepen our country’s appreciation for all that Nevada’s public lands have to offer. We look forward to seeing a Nevada tree light up the nation’s capital this December.” 

Nonprofit organizations Society of American Foresters (SAF) and Sierra Forever will partner with the Forest Service to harvest and decorate the tree and transport it to Washington, D.C., including working with partners throughout the state to host Capitol Christmas Tree events. 

“The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree effort uniquely crosses all of our differences to bring communities together,” said SAF Chief Executive Officer Terry Baker.  “Society of American Foresters is excited to bring its resources and network of professionals together to highlight the amazing resources of Nevada and its first U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.” 

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is a time-honored tradition that began in 1964. Since 1970, the Forest Service has partnered with the Architect of the Capitol to select a tree with very specific qualities for each holiday season. The 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree was chosen from the Tongass National Forest, Alaska.  

The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is the largest in the continental United States, encompassing more than 6 million acres in Nevada and California. Because Nevada has never had the opportunity to provide the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, the Forest Service plans to select a tree from one of the state’s stunning high-elevation forests. 

“The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is unlike any other, encompassing magnificent mountain and high desert landscapes that offer more than beauty – they support Nevada’s economy and way of life,” said Forest Supervisor Jon Stansfield. “We are deeply honored to provide the centerpiece for our nation’s celebration in 2025 and share with the entire country the people and places that make our forest unique.” 

 

About the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree 

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative is a 55-year tradition in which one of America’s 154 national forests provides a tree for the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the holiday season. The project is made possible with support from partners including nonprofits Society of American Foresters and Sierra Forever, along with contributions from companies and volunteers across America. 

We invite the public to follow the 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree project: 

To learn more about the history of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, visit https://www.aoc.gov/what-we-do/programs-ceremonies/capitol-christmas-tree. Follow along at www.uscapitolchristmastree.com. 

Media: For B-roll, contact Chris Buckley, 775-355-5347 or cell 775-564-2073 

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting

 

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The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes one of the most cherished traditions in the nation’s capital—the lighting of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, the West Front Lawn of the U.S. Capitol will shine brightly as the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is illuminated in a special ceremony beginning at 5 p.m. 

Whether you attend the lighting ceremony or admire the tree throughout the season, this event is a reminder of the values that bring us together—peace, hope, and community. Bring your loved ones, snap some photos, and share in the joy of this beloved tradition.

 

For more details about the tree and its journey from Alaska to Washington, D.C., follow along on our social media channels.

Lynden Selected as 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Carrier

“The People’s Tree” will journey from Alaska to Washington, D.C., in a Kenworth T680

WASHINGTON, D.C., (October 15, 2024)—Known for its long history of reliable freight transportation from Alaska to the continental U.S., Lynden has been selected to transport the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. The journey will begin in the Tongass National Forest, travel across the United States, making stops to connect and share the experience with communities and arrive at the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building in November.

Lynden began as a two-horse operation in 1906—then called Lynden Transfer—with Ed Austin transporting freight between Lynden and Bellingham, Washington. In 1954, Lynden opened services to Alaska by way of the Alcan Highway, delivering fresh food and supplies to Alaskans. Today, Lynden is a multi-modal provider offering air, marine, trucking, and logistics services.

Alaska is Lynden’s home and primary market, making it an ideal partner to ensure quality transportation of “The People’s Tree” to Washington, D.C.

“Lynden is an Alaska-based company, and our roots run as deep as the Christmas tree that will be harvested in the Tongass National Forest. We are proud that we are again being entrusted with the delivery of the tree and supporting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour with our legendary drivers, John Schank and Fred Austin, both from our Fairbanks Service Center,” says Lynden Transport President Paul Grimaldi. “John and Fred are a dynamic duo of driving experience, leadership, and positive energy which will make the cross-country trip memorable.”

Fred Austin and John Schank share the honor of driving the Kenworth T680 tractor and Hale Trailer carrying the tree. Their stellar histories and performances with Lynden made them perfect candidates for the task. They both began working for Lynden in 1975 and have earned numerous prestigious honors and designations in the driving industry for their outstanding professionalism and skills. Collectively, they have driven over 10 million accident-free miles for Lynden in Alaska.

The truck pulling this year’s tree is a Kenworth T680, equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain featuring the PACCAR MX-13 engine rated at 455 horsepower, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles. The Kenworth T680 features a Diamond VIT interior in slate gray with madrona accents and includes the latest in driver amenities. Both the driver and passenger seats are GT703 leather seats that are fully heated and cooled. The 76-inch sleeper includes space for a microwave and TV, a factory-installed fridge, and a rotating work table. The T680 also includes the latest in driver assistance systems, including Kenworth’s Digital Mirrors, Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Auto Go, and Lane Keeping Assist with Torque Assisted Steering.

“It was my honor to carry the tree across the country in 2015, and I’m grateful to get another opportunity in 2024,” Schank says. “I stopped along the way for community events and met a lot of kids who thought I was Santa taking the Christmas tree to the U.S. Capitol. I’ll never forget it. I can’t wait to start the journey in early November to deliver another beautiful tree from my home state of Alaska.”

This will be Austin’s first experience supporting the initiative. Known as the “Icon of the Alcan,” he inspires Lynden employees and customers. “I’m excited to be a part of this important project and look forward to meeting new friends along the way,” Austin says.

About Lynden
Lynden companies provide transportation and logistics solutions in Alaska, Canada, the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii and around the world. Extensive multi-modal capabilities allow customers to optimize time and expense by shipping via air, land or sea, or in any combination. For more than a century, Lynden has been helping customers get the job done. To learn more, visit www.lynden.com.

About the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative is a more than 50-year tradition in which one of our 154 national forests provides a tree for the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the holiday season. The project is made possible with support from partners, including The Society of American Foresters, cash and in-kind contributions from large and small companies, and volunteers locally and across America. For a list of 2024 sponsors and to join in the Christmas spirit, please visit www.uscapitolchristmastree.com and @uscapitolchristmastree on Facebook and Instagram.

Alaska’s National Forests announce the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Whistlestop Tour from Alaska to Washington, D.C.

JUNEAU, Alaska – Oct. 8, 2024 – The Tongass and Chugach National Forests, nonprofit partner Society of American Foresters and presenting sponsor 84 Lumber, are excited to announce the eleven locations of the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Whistlestop Tour, starting in Alaska’s “First City,” Ketchikan.  

The tree’s 4,000-mile journey from Wrangell, Alaska, to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building will kick off on Oct. 30. Over three weeks, the tour will travel to the “Lower 48” by sea and then by truck from the Pacific coast of the United States all the way to the eastern seaboard.  

At each stop along the way, people will have the opportunity to sign the side of the uniquely Alaskan trailer with markers, purchase U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree souvenirs from Alaska Geographic, get free stickers and pins, and learn about Alaska’s national forests and the 54-year tradition of the USDA Forest Service providing the “Peoples Tree.” 

The tour’s eleven Whistlestops before the tree is delivered to Washington, D.C. are:  

Wednesday, Oct. 30 – Ketchikan, Alaska 

Alaska Marine Highway Terminal (3501 Tongass Ave.) 

Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.  

Friday, Nov. 8 – Baker City, Ore. 

Baker County Fairgrounds & Event Center -Rodeo Grounds (2600 E. St.) 

Time: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.  

Saturday, Nov. 9 – Pocatello, Idaho 

The Pocatello Veterans Day Parade (700 E. Lewis St.) 

Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
 

Saturday, Nov. 9 – Murray, Utah 

Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation’s Wheeler Historic Farm(6351 S 900 E) 

Time: 5 to 7 p.m. 

Sunday, Nov. 10 – Grand Junction, Colo. 

Cabela’s (2424 US-6) 

Time: 3 to 5 p.m. 

Monday, Nov. 11 – Loveland, Colo. 

The Ranch Events Complex (5280 Arena Cir.) 

Time: To be announced  

Wednesday, Nov. 13 – Omaha, Neb. 

Lewis & Clark Landing at The RiverFront (345 Riverfront Dr.) 

Time: To be announced 

Saturday, Nov. 16 – Fort Wayne, Ind.  

Parkview Field (1301 Ewing St.) 

Time: 4 to 7:00 p.m. 

Sunday, Nov. 17 – Columbus, Ohio 

Center of Science and Industry (333 W. Broad St.) 

Time: 1 to 3:00 p.m. 

Tuesday, Nov. 19 – Hagerstown, Md. 

The Maryland Theater (21 S. Potomac St.) 

Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 

Thursday, Nov. 21 – Joint Base Andrews, Md. 

Andrews Theater (1674 D St.) 

Time: To be determined 

Note: DoD with installation access only 

Tour dates and locations are subject to change. For more information on the Whistlestop Tour events, visit: www.uscapitolchristmastree.com/calendar 

The tree’s journey is possible with the generous support of presenting sponsor 84 Lumber along with Kenworth Truck Company, Lynden Transport, Hale Truck and Trailer, SEALONCE, Alaska Airlines, Alaska Geographic, KTUU, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Ironwood Forestry, Truckload Carriers Association, TreeSwift, T3, LexisNexis VitalChek Network, Inc., Verizon Frontline and more. 

About the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree  
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative is a 54-year tradition in which one of America’s 154 national forests provides a tree for the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the holiday season. The project is made possible with support from partners including nonprofit Society of American Foresters and Alaska Geographic, cash and in-kind contributions from small businesses and large corporations, as well as volunteers throughout Alaska and across the United States.  

 

We invite everyone to learn more and follow the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree journey!

Facebook: USCapitolChristmasTree  

Instagram: @USCapitolChristmasTree  

X: @USCapitolTree  

 

Follow Alaska’s National Forests at: 

Alaska Region: 

2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree celebration begins in Wrangell, stops in Ketchikan

KETCHIKAN, Alaska – Oct. 4, 2024 – The harvest celebration for the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree tour will happen this month in Wrangell, followed by the first Whistlestop Tour event in Ketchikan. These are the only two Alaskan events before the “Peoples Tree” begins its 4000-mile journey to Washington, D.C.

The Capitol Christmas Tree celebration in Wrangell begins Oct. 26, with a tree blessing by the Wrangell Cooperative Association outside the James & Elsie Nolan Center – where the 74-ft Sitka Spruce will be parked. Families will be able to sign the side of the uniquely Alaskan trailer with marker, purchase U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree souvenirs from Alaska Geographic, and learn about Alaska’s national forests and the 54-year tradition of the USDA Forest Service providing the “Peoples Tree.”

“It’s a great privilege for The People’s Tree to be coming from the Tongass this year,” said Tongass National Forest Deputy Supervisor Clint Kolarich. “We’re excited to be a part of this historic undertaking and the Wrangell Cooperative Association along with the Community of Wrangell have been amazing partners.”

The City and Borough of Wrangell incorporated this unique event into their existing, three-day harvest celebration, which features live music, a pumpkin patch, Halloween themed parties and more. Find out more at https://travelwrangell.com/wrangell-cct-harvest.

After the Wrangell event, the tree and trailer will be loaded onto a barge and sent to Alaska’s “First City” for the first event of the Whistlestop Tour – a series of community celebrations along the tree’s path.

The Ketchikan event will be at the Alaska Marine Highway Terminal parking lot from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 30. The Alaska Marine Highway System donated the space, and the Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Forest Service to help build and promote the occasion. This event is still being developed, and local businesses and entertainment are encouraged to register for a free booth space to take part: https://events.humanitix.com/capitol-christmas-tree-whistlestop-tour.  

“I have no doubt the community of Ketchikan is going to come together to make the most of this historic occasion,” said Kolarich.

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree project is led by the Forest Service’s Alaska Region, in partnership with Society of American Foresters and presenting sponsor 84 Lumber. This is the first time the Tongass is providing the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.

About the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative is a 54-year tradition in which one of America’s 154 national forests provides a tree for the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the holiday season. The project is made possible with support from partners including nonprofit Society of American Foresters and Alaska Geographic, cash and in-kind contributions from small businesses and large corporations, as well as volunteers throughout Alaska and across the United States.

We invite everyone to learn more and follow the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree journey at:

Website: www.uscapitolchristmastree.com

Facebook: USCapitolChristmasTree

Instagram: @USCapitolChristmasTree

X: @USCapitolTree

Follow Alaska’s National Forests at:

https://www.facebook.com/ChugachNF

Hale

Meet the Sponsors: Hale

Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel Inc., renowned for its exceptional service, extensive inventory, and commitment to customer satisfaction, is thrilled to once again be a part of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Initiative. For years, Hale Trailer has proudly donated the trailers necessary to transport the majestic Christmas tree from its original home to our great nation’s capital. As a leading independent trailer dealership in North America with branches across the east coast and midwest, Hale Trailer understands the importance of giving back to the community. The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Initiative is a cherished tradition that brings joy and holiday spirit to millions of people across the country. By providing our reliable and durable trailers for this special mission, Hale Trailer is honored to contribute to the success of this beloved event.
Hale Trailer’s commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of our business, from our extensive selection of trailers to our knowledgeable and dedicated team. We are proud to partner with manufacturers who share our values and provide high-quality products that meet the unique needs of our customers. Our strong relationships with these manufacturers allow us to offer exceptional support and customized solutions.

Whether you’re looking to purchase, rent, or lease a trailer, Hale Trailer is your one-stop shop for all your transportation needs. Our extensive inventory ensures that we have the perfect trailer for any application, from flatbeds and reefers to dumps and lowboys. With our commitment to customer service and our reputation for reliability, you can trust Hale Trailer to deliver the highest quality products and services. So, as the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree embarks on its journey from Alaska to Washington, D.C., know that Hale Trailer is proud to be a part of this magical tradition. We are honored to contribute to the joy and wonder this special tree brings to people nationwide.

US Capitol Christmas Tree

2023 Tree from Monongahela National Forest Lit on West Lawn

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The holiday season has officially begun, as the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the Monongahela National Forest was lit during a public ceremony. The Architect of the Capitol welcomed Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV) and Alex Mooney (R-WV), essay contest winner Ethan Reese and the Richwood High School Marching Band.

This year’s tree is a 63-foot Norway spruce from the Greenbrier Ranger District in West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest. The People’s Tree will be lit from dusk until 11 p.m. each evening through January 1, 2024. Visiting the tree is free and open to the public. No ticket is required.

Watch the ceremony

CCT USDA Tree

Trees grown in Bruceton Mills to be displayed in Washington, D.C.

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With this year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas celebration theme being “Endlessly Wild and Wonderful,” a number of smaller trees will be distributed throughout Washington D.C. and Joint Base Andrew. All of these trees will be provided by presenting sponsor 84 Lumber and Jim Rockis of Bruceton Mills, WV.

Jim Rockis became interested in quantitative genetics in the early 90s with help from late WVU professor Frank Cech. Since Cech passed back in 2009, Rockis has carried out the knowledge and skill needed to produce genetically superior trees, more specifically the Canaan Fir tree.

“There’s a lot of things that folks don’t know about in our state of West Virginia that we’re doing with forestry, we’re doing with horticulture, and I kind of look at myself as combining the two. What we do and is kind of neat, we’re supplying a lot of the seed that goes to high growers in Michigan, New York, Maryland, Connecticut, Massachusetts and even North Carolina,” Rockis said in an interview with 12 News.

The most popularly recognized Christmas tree is the Frasier Fir, though Rockis said that it’s rather difficult to grow. This encouraged Rockis’ experimentation of the Canaan Fir, a tree native of West Virginia, which he has developed to resemble a Frasier Fir yet with a better “shelf life.”

Rockis and 84 Lumber are working together to deliver a 25-foot Canaan Fir that Rockis selected himself to the federal USDA building in Washington, D.C.

“I’m very honored to participate in this to show what we do here, particularly with forestry, agriculture, horticulture, particularly in the private sector of West Virginia. We’re very excited to share with the nation what we’re doing up here, and how we’re developing genetically superior trees,” said Rockis.

Rockis hopes to be in D.C. whenever the trees arrive, and he hopes to encourage the youth by sharing his own story.

Originally published at WBOY on September 28, 2023.
Photo of 25′ Canaan Fir in the USDA building in Washington, D.C.

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