LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Nevada will be front and center this year as it provides the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree for the first time ever.
It’s a proud moment for the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, and a chance to show the nation who we are and what we do in Nevada, according to Jon Stansfield, forest supervisor.
“The People’s Tree” is a tradition on the west lawn of the Capitol since 1970, officials said.
There’s a lot of work to do over the next year, starting with choosing the tree.
“We have to look for the perfect Christmas tree, meaning a tree that is anywhere from 60- to 80-feet tall, full, beautiful green crown,” Duncan Leao, team lead for finding the tree, said in a video provided by the Forest Service.
“We plan to host all sorts of events throughout the year to bring attention and spotlight to the Capitol Christmas Tree effort, but also to raise awareness of our national forest public lands — what they offer in terms of recreation, access, stewardship, managing a healthy landscape,” Leao said.
The Forest Service plans to get the public involved in the effort. That might include making ornaments and giving the tree a “Silver State sendoff” to Washington, D.C.
Nonprofit groups Society of American Foresters and Sierra Forever are leading a team of partners that will help the Forest Service get the tree to Washington, D.C. for the holiday season.
“This is a great opportunity for all Nevadans to get behind the effort and let the nation know who we are, what we stand for,” Leao said.
