GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — This year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas tree will come from western Colorado.
U.S. Forest Service officials said a tree will be cut from the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests to adorn the Capitol building’s West Lawn in December.
Gov. Jared Polis (D-Colorado), the U.S. Forest Service and the Colorado Tourism Office formally announced the tree harvesting in a Zoom meeting Monday.
The tree will likely be an Engelmann spruce, Polis said.
“I’m thrilled that one of Colorado’s magnificent Engelmann Spruce is heading to Washington D.C. to represent our state at the U.S. Capitol during the holidays this year,” said Polis. “Coloradans are proud of our state’s natural beauty, forests, and incredible outdoor spaces, and I’m glad the rest of the country will be able to see a small piece of the majesty that Colorado offers. While this is a difficult time for people across our state and across the country, I hope that Colorado’s contribution to the national Christmas spirit can help bring us all together.”
Each year, a national forest is chosen to provide a tree for the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
“We sincerely hope the gift of this towering tree from Colorado for the Capitol lawn helps inspire deep pride in America the Beautiful and happiness throughout the holidays, while showcasing the splendor of Colorado’s Mountains and Mesas region," said Colorado Tourism Director Cathy Ritter.
The U.S. Capitol tree last came from western Colorado in 2012. That tree was a 73-foot Engelmann spruce from the White River National Forest, east of Meeker.
The 2019 U.S. Capitol Christmas tree was a 60-foot blue spruce cut from the Carson National Forest outside of Taos, New Mexico.
"We are just so excited, and what a great honor for Colorado to be able to help the entire nation celebrate the holiday spirit," Polis said.
Learn more about the Capitol Christmas Tree at USCapitolChristmasTree.com.
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