Idaho's 80-Foot Grand Fir Chosen as This Year's Capitol Christmas Tree

Each December, a tree from a national forest is cut, transported and decorated on the U.S. Capitol’s west lawn. This year’s selection is an 80-foot grand fir from Idaho’s Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, the first of its species in the 62-year history of the ceremony. Jim Kaufmann, executive director of Capitol Grounds and Arboretum, praised the tree’s form, while Governor Brad Little described it as a major holiday gift for the country.

The tree’s exact location will stay secret until it is felled at the end of October, after which it will make a series of “whistlestop” appearances for the public to view and learn about Idaho’s forestry practices. The U.S. Forest Service and the Capitol Christmas Tree organization are gathering 10,000 handmade ornaments, with 3,500 destined for the grand fir. The lighting ceremony, traditionally hosted by the House speaker, will be scheduled for late November or early December.