Mon Forest to provide U.S. Capitol tree

The Monongahela National Forest was recently chosen to provide this year’s official Christmas Tree that will stand on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., during the 2023 holiday season.

Each year a tree is selected from a different national forest across the United States and this will mark the first time since the 1970s that West Virginia and the Mon National Forest have been selected.

Overall, this will mark the third time that a tree has been chosen from the Mountain State, the first being in 1970 when the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service first provided a tree to the Capitol. The second tree, a 41-foot Red Spruce, was provided in 1976.

“It’s an honor to have a tree from our backyard selected as the official 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree,” Gov. Jim Justice said. “This shines a positive light on West Virginia and I am thrilled in every way.

“I also want to acknowledge the Monongahela National Forest officials for their care of the forest. Without them, this would not have been possible. Congratulations to all involved.”

Being selected to provide what is known as “The People’s Tree,” will kick off a celebration for the USDA Forest Service with the theme “Endlessly Wild & Wonderful.” The Mon Forest and Choose Outdoors are partnering on the year-long conservation campaign.

In November, the selected tree will embark on a multi-stop tour around West Virginia and surrounding states before being delivered to the Capitol in Washington, D.C.

“The Capitol Christmas Tree is a wonderful, historic tradition that brings our great country together during the holidays, and I am thrilled that the 2023 tree will be from West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest,” said Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.

“The 2023 Capitol Christmas Tree will represent the wild and wonderful nature of the Mountain State – including our remarkable forestry and wildlife – for the first time since 1976,” Manchin added.

“I’m grateful to the Forest Service for their hard work and partnership on this event, and I look forward to celebrating this honor with my fellow West Virginians and Americans.”

The first-ever tree, a 24-foot Douglas Fir, was placed on the U.S. Capitol lawn in 1964. Each year since, the tree has been decorated and a tree-lighting ceremony has been held.

The biggest tree to date was in 2013 when an 88-foot Engelmann Spruce from the Colville National Forest in Washington was selected. Last year’s tree was a 78-foot Red Spruce that came from the North Carolina National Forest.

To be a part of this year’s festivities and to follow the journey of the tree, go online to uscapitolchristmastree.com.

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