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U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Announces Essay Contest
EUREKA, Calif., September 13, 2021— For more than 50 years, the Speaker of the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C., has asked the USDA Forest Service to provide a tree to adorn the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the holiday season. This year, the Six Rivers National Forest will proudly provide the tree and select a local 5th grader to be named as the official youth tree lighter in a three-county-wide essay contest.
The youth tree lighter may have the opportunity to participate in the tree harvest ceremony, tree lighting ceremony and other local events. Events may be virtual or in-person, and any in-person events will occur in accordance with CDC guidelines.
The youth will be selected by a panel consisting of personnel from the USDA Forest Service, County Offices of Education and the Board of Supervisors from Del Norte, Humboldt, and Trinity counties, and by office of Representative Jared Huffman, based on the criteria below.
The competition is open to 5th grade students in Del Norte, Humboldt, and Trinity counties. Students are asked to compose an essay about the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree with the prompt, “What does the theme ‘Six Rivers, Many Peoples, One Tree’ mean to you?”
In addition to the essay, applicants may choose to include a one-page supporting attachment relating the theme to an aspect of science, technology, engineering, arts, and/or mathematics (STEAM) for an interdisciplinary approach.
Submissions will be evaluated on mechanics of grammar, spelling and construct, content, and STEAM integration. The submission should not exceed a 500-word essay with one additional page of illustration/supporting data – all electronic.
Students should submit their essays electronically to their respective County Office of Education (COE) office by Sept. 24.
- Del Norte COE: Jeff Harris- jharris@delnorte.k12.ca.gov
- Humboldt COE: Stacy Young- syoung@HCOE.org
- Trinity COE: Tim Nordstrom- tnordstrom@tcoek.k12.org
Each Office of Education will submit their top five (5) entries to the U.S. Forest Service, and the winning submission will be selected and notified in mid-October.
All submissions must be accompanied by the consent form from a parent or guardian for use of the product as well as consent to appear in media. All participants may be recognized by the U.S. Forest Service.
Six Rivers, Six Questions: Meet Alyssa
Six Rivers, Six Scientists
Behind California’s infamously arduous “Redwood Curtain” lies a research lab…
…on the Preston Forest Research Site, a wooded, 3-acre site on the Humboldt State University campus in Arcata, California. This lab is part of the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station and houses research hydrologists, geologists, wildlife and fisheries biologists, plant ecologists, biometricians, research technicians, and support personnel who are conducting watershed, wildlife, and fisheries research applicable to the Pacific Northwest from Alaska to California.
Let’s meet six Redwood Sciences Lab scientists:
Dr. Karen Pope is a Wildlife Biologist. Her research interests specialize in applied research directed toward the conservation of amphibians and reptiles, especially in mountain environments. However, many of her projects also address key basic concepts in ecology like the role of ecosystem subsidy in supporting wildlife populations and how population dynamics are affected by pathogens.
Dr. Bret Harvey is a Research Fish Biologist. His research interests are relationships between stream fishes and habitat features such as depth, cover, sediment conditions, and barriers to fish movement; biotic interactions within stream food webs; and the dependence of these interactions on habitat, and the success and effects of introduced fishes in streams.
Linda Long is a Wildlife Biologist who conducts her studies out of the Arcata lab. She assists on station climate change research and localized needs (regional work). The bulk of her research has been focused on ornithology, including Pacific Seabirds.
Ted Weller is an Ecologist. His research interests are developing quantitative methods for assessment of bat populations; mitigating impacts of wind energy development on populations of migratory bats; and seasonal ecology of bats in forests of northwestern California.
Elizabeth Keppeler is a Hydrologist who works primarily out of Fort Bragg, CA where she works on the Casper Creek Experimental Watershed where along with a team of researchers, she conducts studies evaluating the effects of timber management on streamflow, sedimentation, and erosion in the rainfall-dominated forested watersheds of the northern coast of California.
Dr. Joseph Wagenbrenner is a Research Hydrologist. His research interests are understanding the complexity of hydrologic processes at various spatial and temporal scales; determining the effects that humans have on different components of the hydrologic cycle, understanding the effects of fire and other forest disturbances on hydrologic processes; and identifying the impacts of practices used to mitigate these effects. This work will help provide an understanding of the resiliency, function, and health of natural and human-impacted environments.
What is Forest Service R&D and Who is PSW?
The USDA Forest Service Research and Development (FS R&D) is the world’s largest forestry research organization. FS R&D conducts ecological and social science research to understand ecosystems, how humans influence those systems, and how to manage for sustained and enhanced benefits.
FS R&D operates five Research Stations, the Forest Products Laboratory, and the International Institute of Tropical Forestry. It employs more than 500 scientists, as well as several hundred technical and support personnel located at 67 sites throughout the United States.
The Pacific Southwest Research Station represents FS R&D in the states of California and Hawaiʻi and the U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands. The region has the lowest, driest desert in the country, the highest elevations within the 48 contiguous States, and the wettest tropical forests. It is home to an abundantly diverse array of native plants and animals and nearly half of the Nation’s threatened and endangered species. PSW scientists conduct a broad array of natural resources research to achieve our mission to “develop and communicate science needed to sustain forest ecosystems and their benefits to society.”
For Further Information, Contact:
Jacey Goddard
Public Affairs Specialist
USDA Forest Service
Pacific Southwest Research Station
Email
www.fs.fed.us/psw
Six Rivers, Six Questions: Meet LeRoy
2021 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Virtually Selected
EUREKA, Calif., July 21, 2021— After a multi-month search covering hundreds of square acres and thousands of feet in elevation, the 2021 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the Six Rivers National Forest has been selected – “Sugar Bear.” Six candidate trees were identified and presented virtually to Architect of the Capitol staff, with each tree receiving unique nicknames connected to the state animal of California, the bear.
Taking top honors, “Sugar Bear,” an 84-foot white fir located within the Mad River Ranger District, will grace the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol this holiday season.
“Selecting a tree to adorn the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol comes with a unique set of challenges in any given year, but especially with this being the second year the search and selection has been conducted virtually,” said Jim Kaufmann, Director of Capitol Grounds and Arboretum at the Architect of the Capitol. “Thanks to drone footage, comprehensive photos, compelling narration, and detailed notes and measurements, we were able to select a majestic white fir that very well represents the Six Rivers National Forest and the great state of California.”
The People’s Tree will be harvested from the Mad River Ranger District, which was most recently impacted by the largest recorded wildfire in California history – the 2020 August Complex Fire. Nearly 160,000 acres, or a little over 50 percent of the total district, was destroyed and burned by fire associated with the August Complex last year.
“Given the recent challenges and hardships our community faced in 2020, we are honored the People’s Tree will be harvested from our district,” said Kristen Lark, district ranger for the Mad River Ranger District. “This tree signifies the fortitude and resilience of this community and we are excited to share in the joy and hope of this project as it makes its journey to Washington, D.C.”
The tree will be harvested in late October before making its journey throughout the state of California and cross-country to Washington, D.C., arriving at the U.S. Capitol in late November.
The Architect of the Capitol’s team will decorate the tree with thousands of handcrafted ornaments from the people of California. The tree will be lit in early December 2021 by the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives in as a time-honored tradition in its 51-year partnership with the U.S. Forest Service.
Non-profit project partner Choose Outdoors and a host of partners, sponsors, and volunteers are contributing funding and in-kind support of this project and its theme, “Six Rivers, Many Peoples, One Tree.”
“We could not be more grateful for our shared partnerships and engaged community partners and look forward to representing them on a national stage with the representation of this beautiful, local white fir tree,” said Ted O. McArthur, forest supervisor for the Six Rivers National Forest.
About the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative is a 50-year tradition in which one of our 155 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 non-profit Choose Outdoors along with cash and in-kind contributions from companies large and small as well as volunteers locally and across America.
Partners supporting the 2021 journey include Kenworth Truck Company, System Transport, ABC Sacramento, Spireon, Inc., Hale Truck and Trailer, Visit California, PG&E, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Alaska Airlines, Coast Central Credit Union, Great West Casualty Company, Truckload Carriers Association, Meritor, Inc., Mountain F. Enterprises, Inc., Society of American Foresters, Green Diamond, Mendocino and Humboldt Redwood Company, Sierra Pacific Industries, BT Metals, LexisNexis VitalChek Network, Inc., Bergco, The Forest Foundation, National Press Club, Humboldt Craft Spirits, Humboldt Marketplace, Bass Pro Shops, Chicobag, and more.
We invite you to follow the #USCapitolChristmasTree2021 project through one of our accounts:
- Facebook: USCapitolChristmasTree
- Twitter: @USCapitolTree
- Instagram: @USCapitolChristmasTree
- #ManyPeoplesOneTree
To learn more about the history of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, please visit https://www.aoc.gov/what-we-do/programs-ceremonies/capitol-christmas-tree.
System Transport to Haul the 2021 U.S. Capitol Xmas Tree
Eureka, California, June 17, 2021 – The holiday season will be a little brighter this year with the help of System Transport, as it takes on the role of transporting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to Washington, D.C. An annual gift to the nation, the 2021 tree will make its way to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building from the Six Rivers National Forest in California.
System Transport was selected as the hauler for this year’s tree at the recommendation of Kenworth Truck Company and based on industry reputation on the West Coast according to Bruce Ward, president of Choose Outdoors, the non-profit partner that assists the USDA Forest Service with coordinating the annual public engagement initiative. The tree will be harvested in late October before making the in-state and cross-country journey, arriving at the U.S. Capitol in late November. The tree will be decorated with thousands of handmade ornaments made by Californians and will light up the nation’s Capitol throughout the month of December.
The company first opened its doors 1972 with only 1 truck and trailer. An unwavering commitment to customer service and dedication to their team of professional truck drivers has facilitated their growth to over 1,000 employees and operating more than 800 trucks today. System Transport is headquartered in Spokane, Washington, with terminals in Caldwell, Idaho; French Camp, Fresno and Bloomington, California; Phoenix, Arizona; Denver, Colorado; Olathe, Kansas; Ennis, Texas; and Gary, Indiana. They operate all types of flatbed freight primarily throughout the west coast to the Midwest. The company and staff have been recognized with a series of safety, service and environmental awards, including Goodyear Highway Hero, Great West Safety Award, Carrier of the Year from USG, Platinum Carrier from Lowe’s, Supplier Excellence Award from General Electric (G.E.), Western Regional Carrier of the Year from Firestone, Carrier of the Year from Home Depot and Excellence Award from SmartWay.
“As a second-generation family-owned and operated company, Christmas is a special time of year for us”, said Dennis Williams, President and CEO, Trans-System. “We are proud to be a part of the annual tradition that brings the Christmas spirit to our nation’s capitol, and to all the families who gather around their own trees to share the spirit of the season.”
Kenworth Truck Company returns for the eighth year as a major sponsor of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree program. A specially decaled Kenworth T680 Next Generation equipped with a 76-inch mid-roof sleeper will transport the 51st U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. Additional partners supporting the 2021 journey include ABC Sacramento, Spireon, Inc., Hale Truck and Trailer, Visit California, PG&E, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Alaska Airlines, Coast Central Credit Union, Great West Casualty Company, Truckload Carriers Association, Green Diamond, Mendocino and Humboldt Redwood Company, Sierra Pacific Industries, LexisNexis VitalChek Network, Inc., Bergco, The Forest Foundation, Bass Pro Shops, Gene Lucas Community Center, and Humboldt Craft Spirits.
“Just like our theme ‘Six Rivers, Many Peoples, One Tree’, this campaign brings together many peoples to prepare and safely deliver one special tree to Washington D.C.,” said Ted McArthur, forest supervisor for Six Rivers National Forest. “This journey would not be possible without the support and assistance of strong demonstrated partnerships making this our greatest tour to date.”
For more information on the initiative, how to get involved, and to follow the tree’s journey, visit www.uscapitolchristmastree.com.
Introducing the official 2021 logo!
System Transport to Haul the 2021 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
Eureka, California, June 17, 2021 – The holiday season will be a little brighter this year with the help of System Transport, as it takes on the role of transporting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to Washington, D.C. An annual gift to the nation, the 2021 tree will make its way to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building from the Six Rivers National Forest in California.
System Transport was selected as the hauler for this year’s tree at the recommendation of Kenworth Truck Company and based on industry reputation on the West Coast according to Bruce Ward, president of Choose Outdoors, the non-profit partner that assists the USDA Forest Service with coordinating the annual public engagement initiative. The tree will be harvested in late October before making the in-state and cross-country journey, arriving at the U.S. Capitol in late November. The tree will be decorated with thousands of handmade ornaments made by Californians and will light up the nation’s Capitol throughout the month of December.
The company first opened its doors 1972 with only 1 truck and trailer. An unwavering commitment to customer service and dedication to their team of professional truck drivers has facilitated their growth to over 1,000 employees and operating more than 800 trucks today. System Transport is headquartered in Spokane, Washington, with terminals in Caldwell, Idaho; French Camp, Fresno and Bloomington, California; Phoenix, Arizona; Denver, Colorado; Olathe, Kansas; Ennis, Texas; and Gary, Indiana. They operate all types of flatbed freight primarily throughout the west coast to the Midwest. The company and staff have been recognized with a series of safety, service and environmental awards, including Goodyear Highway Hero, Great West Safety Award, Carrier of the Year from USG, Platinum Carrier from Lowe’s, Supplier Excellence Award from General Electric (G.E.), Western Regional Carrier of the Year from Firestone, Carrier of the Year from Home Depot and Excellence Award from SmartWay.
“As a second-generation family-owned and operated company, Christmas is a special time of year for us”, said Dennis Williams, President and CEO, Trans-System. “We are proud to be a part of the annual tradition that brings the Christmas spirit to our nation’s capitol, and to all the families who gather around their own trees to share the spirit of the season.”
Kenworth Truck Company returns for the eighth year as a major sponsor of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree program. A specially decaled Kenworth T680 Next Generation equipped with a 76-inch mid-roof sleeper will transport the 51st U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. Additional partners supporting the 2021 journey include ABC Sacramento, Spireon, Inc., Hale Truck and Trailer, Visit California, PG&E, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Alaska Airlines, Coast Central Credit Union, Great West Casualty Company, Truckload Carriers Association, Green Diamond, Mendocino and Humboldt Redwood Company, Sierra Pacific Industries, LexisNexis VitalChek Network, Inc., Bergco, The Forest Foundation, Bass Pro Shops, Gene Lucas Community Center, and Humboldt Craft Spirits.
“Just like our theme ‘Six Rivers, Many Peoples, One Tree’, this campaign brings together many peoples to prepare and safely deliver one special tree to Washington D.C.,” said Ted McArthur, forest supervisor for Six Rivers National Forest. “This journey would not be possible without the support and assistance of strong demonstrated partnerships making this our greatest tour to date.”
For more information on the initiative, how to get involved, and to follow the tree’s journey, visit www.uscapitolchristmastree.com.
Introducing the official 2021 logo!
It is with great pride we formally introduce the official 2021 U.S. Capitol Christmas tree logo. For some, a logo is merely a design with identifying imagery attached to an organization. For the Six Rivers National Forest, we intended to create a logo jam-packed with unique symbology that fully represented our theme of “Six Rivers, Many Peoples, One Tree.”
We believe we did that!
Here are the design elements found in the logo:
- The predominant colors of red and green of course bring out the holiday season
- The mountains reflect mountains near the Six Rivers National Forest (to include The Trinity’s, Siskiyou’s, and Lassic’s)
- The six colors of the river, hence the Six Rivers
- The trees, our plentiful and vibrant forests, and home to Bigfoot!
- The Salmon – our anadromous fish
- The rainbow of people represent all peoples, of our region, state, and Nation, holding hands in peace and support.
- The flower is the endangered Lassic Lupine, which is complemented by Acorns, which are foundational to the peoples of the area
- There are 113 red and white lights on the tree, representing the Native tribes of California
- The 16 in red represent the 16 local tribes that call the Six Rivers part of their ancestral land
- The tree skirt design is used with permission from a local tribal basket cap|
- The design around the border is the traditional friendship design used by native basket weavers
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram by following #ManyPeoplesOneTree.
Decorations needed for 2021 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
EUREKA, Calif., May 3, 2021— How do you decorate one 60- to 80-foot-tall Christmas tree plus 130 smaller companion trees? With lots and lots of ornaments and tree skirts!
As part of the 51-year USDA Forest Service tradition, the Six Rivers National Forest is providing the 2021 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, which will grace the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the holiday season.
“The Six Rivers has the great responsibility of identifying and providing the Peoples Tree for the upcoming holiday season,” said Ted McArthur, forest supervisor. “What better way to showcase the uniqueness and beauty of our great state than by decorating it with ornaments and tree skirts handmade by Californians.”
The West Lawn tree will require nearly 4,000 large ornaments. Separately, the forest and nearby communities will provide an additional 130 smaller companion trees to light up offices of the California congressional delegation, as well as leadership at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of the Interior, and the USDA Forest Service throughout Washington, D.C., for the 2021 holiday season. These trees require approximately 11,000 smaller ornaments and 130 tree skirts.
With a newly selected theme of “Six Rivers, Many Peoples, One Tree,” all California residents are invited to help showcase the diverse peoples and ecology of California and its North Coast, as well as their creativity, by making ornaments and tree skirts for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree and the smaller companion trees. In addition to capturing California’s diversity, we encourage the use of recycled, recyclable, and natural materials as part of Woodsy Owl’s 50th birthday celebration highlighting its “Give a Hoot – Don’t Pollute” catchphrase.
Ornament and tree skirt examples are available to view as a reference online here. Following are requirements for ornaments and tree skirts:
– Ornaments – U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree: 9 to 12 inches, colorful, reflective, and weatherproof to withstand the elements (wind, rain, and snow). 4,000 needed.
– Ornaments – 130 smaller companion trees: 4 to 6 inches, lightweight and colorful; however, durability is not a concern as they will be indoors. 11,000 needed.
– Tree skirts: 5 feet in diameter. It may be possible for tree skirts to be returned; however, no guarantees can be made. 130 needed.
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree ornaments and tree skirts may not include logos, political, or religious affiliation or symbols, drug or alcohol references, be divisive or offensive. Ornaments cannot be returned.
Ornaments and tree skirts are due by September 1, 2021, and may be mailed to: U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, 1330 Bayshore Way, Eureka, CA 95501; or taken to drop-off sites that will be listed online here (details to come).
For additional information about ornaments or tree skirts for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree and how your group or community can get involved, contact Maritza Guzman via email or (707) 672-3184.
Six Rivers selected to provide 2021 US Capitol Christmas Tree
EUREKA, Calif. – It might only be February, but it’s never too early to think about that perfect Christmas tree, especially when it’s the one that will adorn the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol! Today, Six Rivers National Forest officials, in partnership with non-profit partner Choose Outdoors, proudly announced that the 2021 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree would hail from the Six Rivers National Forest, in California. This is the first time the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will be provided by the Six Rivers and the fifth time from the state of California. Every year since 1970, the USDA Forest Service has provided the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. Providing the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree—also known as “The People’s Tree”—is a great honor and opportunity for the State of California, the Six Rivers National Forest, and the entire North Coast of California to highlight the area’s breathtaking natural resources and cultural diversity, including those whose ancestors have called this area home since time immemorial. The 2021 holiday season will kick off with the lighting of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, in early December. In addition, up to 100 smaller companion trees and tree skirts, along with 14,000 ornaments, handmade by Californians, will be sent to Washington, DC. “California is honored to provide this year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree as a living testament to the resiliency and fortitude of our beautiful national forests, despite a historic 2020 fire season,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom. “We are proud to showcase the Six Rivers National Forest on a national stage and look forward to the events leading up to December.” “The North Coast has been rightly hailed for the unparalleled natural beauty of its forests, and it’s an honor to once again be able to share a part of our beautiful state with the U.S. Capitol and the people of America during the next holiday season,” said U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (CA-2). “This long-standing tradition serves as a way to unite the country and celebrate all our public lands and natural resources have to offer. Thank you to all of our partners in and outside of California who are making this special journey possible.” The Six Rivers National Forest has partnered with Choose Outdoors to help implement the year-long public engagement campaign. The initiative is made possible with cash and in-kind contributions from companies large and small as well as volunteers locally and across America, who provide vital support of time and resources. “The annual journey is only possible with the help of strong partnerships throughout California and beyond state lines,” said Bruce Ward, president of Choose Outdoors. “We’re looking forward to bringing people together to celebrate our public lands, our diversity and the joy of the holiday season.” “It’s going to be a lot of work,” said Kathy Mick, acting forest supervisor for the Six Rivers National Forest, “but we’re excited and can hardly wait to get started in our search for that perfect tree! But, like most of our projects on the Six Rivers, it’s going to be a collaborative effort, working alongside our partners and communities to shine a bright light on what we can do on California’s North Coast!” To follow the exciting journey of the 2021 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree—and to be a part of the festivities over the next 10 months—visit www.uscapitolchristmastree.com For information about the history of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, visit the Architect of the Capitol’s website at www.aoc.gov/what-we-do/ To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Bruce Ward, president of Choose Outdoors, at bruce@chooseoutdoors.org. For more information about the 2021 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree and the Six Rivers National Forest, contact Nancy Henderson, U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Project Manager, at nancy.henderson@usda.gov or (530) 768-7814. | ||
| # # #USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. |
