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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram by following #ManyPeoplesOneTree.
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.
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. |
Denver, CO (Dec. 10, 2020) – National TV series for public television America’s Forests with Chuck Leavell returns to Colorado to celebrate a very merry U.S. Capitol Christmas. The new episode will premiere on Rocky Mountain PBS and rmpbs.org on Thursday, Dec. 17 at 8:00 p.m. MT and shines a light on the 50 year tradition in which the USDA Forest Service provides a tree for the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building during the holidays. The 2020 tree is provided by the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests (GMUG) on the Western Slope of Colorado.
Chuck Leavell may be best known as the keyboardist and musical director for The Rolling Stones, but he is also an educated and enthusiastic forestry advocate, conservationist and tree farmer. As host of the series, Leavell serves as the on-camera guide, travelling across the country to interview people who are passionate about the gifts we receive from our forests.
“The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is a mechanism for the nation to come together during this magical time of year and to celebrate one of our most treasured resources”, said Leavell. “Whether for building or for recreation, our forests are good for the economy and for the spirit.”
During this special episode, Leavell travels to the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests to follow the journey – from selection and cutting to ornament making and community celebrations – of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree as it makes its way from Colorado to Washington, D.C. Leavell also learns about the multiple uses of this winter wonderland by sharing adventures and hearing from staff from the USDA Forest Service.
The series is produced by Choose Outdoors and 42 Degrees North Media and the special episode is made possible with generous support from the USDA Forest Service, STIHL Inc. and Red Wing Shoes.
“The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, or “People’s Tree”, is a time honored tradition that brings hope and joy to people across the country”, said Bruce Ward, president of Choose Outdoors. “We are proud to help tell this very special story during a year when the world needs it more than ever.”
Following the Dec. 17 premiere on Rocky Mountain PBS and rmpbs.org, the episode will be available for viewing online at americasforestswithchuckleavell.com. Follow along on Facebook (@americasforests), Instagram (@americasforestswithchuck) and Twitter (@americasforests)
*Photos and a :30 promo video available online here. Please credit Markus Van Meter for photography use.
Nam libero tempore, cum soluta nobis est eligendi optio cumque nihil impedit quo minus id quod maxime placeat facere possimus. At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia animi, id est laborum et dolorum fuga. Et harum quidem rerum facilis est et expedita distinctio. Nam libero tempore, cum soluta nobis est eligendi optio cumque nihil impedit quo minus id quod maxime placeat facere possimus, omnis voluptas assumenda est, omnis dolor repellendus. Temporibus autem quibusdam et aut officiis debitis aut rerum necessitatibus saepe eveniet ut et voluptates.
Magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?” repudiandae sint et molestiae non recusandae. Itaque earum rerum hic tenetur a sapiente delectus, ut aut reiciendis voluptatibus maiores alias consequatur aut perferendis doloribus asperiores repellat omnis voluptas assumenda est, omnis dolor repellendus. Temporibus autem quibusdam et aut officiis debitis aut rerum necessitatibus saepe eveniet ut et voluptates repudiandae sint et molestiae non recusandae. Itaque earum rerum hic tenetur a sapiente delectus, ut aut reiciendis voluptatibus maiores alias consequatur aut perferendis.
Labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur.
At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia animi, id est laborum et dolorum fuga. Et harum quidem rerum facilis est et expedita distinctio. Nam libero tempore, cum soluta nobis est eligendi optio cumque nihil impedit quo minus id quod maxime placeat facere possimus, omnis voluptas assumenda est, omnis dolor repellendus. Temporibus autem quibusdam et aut officiis debitis aut rerum necessitatibus saepe eveniet ut et voluptates repudiandae sint et molestiae non recusandae.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur.
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt neque porro quisquam.
