Tongass National Forest Chosen for U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
Alaska’s Tongass National Forest has been selected to provide the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree for the upcoming holiday season. This prestigious honor highlights the significance of the Tongass region, known for its abundant resources and rich Native cultural history.
Senator Lisa Murkowski, in a Twitter announcement, expressed her enthusiasm for showcasing the beauty of the Tongass to the nation. She emphasized the cultural importance of the forest to Alaskans and the nation as a whole.
Governor Mike Dunleavy also conveyed his pride in Alaska being the source of the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. The tree, often referred to as ‘The People’s Tree,’ symbolizes the inclusive nature of the U.S. House of Representatives, known as ‘The People’s House.’
To enhance public awareness and education, the Alaska Region has collaborated with nonprofits such as the Society of American Foresters and Alaska Geographic. These partnerships aim to educate both Alaskans and Americans nationwide about the National Forests in Alaska and the agency’s mission of sustainable forest management.
As part of the initiative, a ‘whistlestop tour’ will be organized by the Society of American Foresters and Alaska Geographic. This tour will traverse various communities across the country as the Capitol Christmas Tree makes its journey from Alaska to Washington, D.C.
For more information and updates, visit the official websites and social media handles:
- Website: www.uscapitolchristmastree.com
- Facebook: USCapitolChristmasTree
- Instagram: @USCapitolChristmasTree
- Twitter: @USCapitolTree
Stay connected with Alaska’s National Forests:
- Alaska Region: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r10
- Tongass National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/tongass/
- Chugach National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/chugach