Murkowski Announces Tongass National Forest providing the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski joined the U.S. Forest Service in announcing that the Alaska Region of the Forest Service, which features the Tongass and Chugach National Forests, has been selected to provide the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.
An annual symbol of hope and celebration, the tree offers an opportunity to showcase Alaska's majestic landscape, unique culture, rich traditions, diverse ecosystems, and abundant resources. The tree will symbolize Alaskans’ connection to the lands they call home, as well as the special relationships between our forests and the tribal communities, partners, and sponsors coming together to send this unique holiday gift to the U.S. Capitol.
The first and only previous U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to come from Alaska was sent from the Chugach National Forest in 2015. This year, the tree will come from the Tongass National Forest – America's largest national forest.
“I am excited to announce that Alaska’s Tongass National Forest has been chosen to provide this year’s Capitol Christmas Tree to grace the West Lawn. The Tongass is a special place for so many Alaskans who call it home - a place rich with resources and Native cultural history. This holiday season, I can’t wait to share some of the amazing aspects of the region and our state with the Capitol and the entire nation as we welcome The People’s Tree,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski. “In 2015, Alaska’s other national forest, the Chugach National Forest, provided the Capitol Tree for the first time. Each forest acts as a hub of recreation and opportunity for thousands of Alaskans, a source of pride across our state. I look forward to once again spotlighting the majesty of Alaskan trees during Christmastime in the nation’s capital.”
“It’s an honor to have the 2024 U.S. Capitol tree come from Alaska,” said Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy. “With over 22 million acres of pristine wilderness, Alaska's forests not only symbolize the grandeur of our nation but also embody the spirit of resilience and unity. As we prepare to share a piece of Alaska with the nation, I want to acknowledge Alaska’s National Forests team for their tireless work. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
“On behalf of the hundreds of Forest Service employees who call Alaska Home, please know that as Team Alaska, we are overjoyed to be able to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, and to spread joy and cheer across the country,” said Acting Alaska Regional Forester Chad VanOrmer.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree – known as “The People's Tree,” reflecting the nickname for the U.S. House of Representatives, "the People's House" – adorns the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol and has been selected each year since 1970 from a different National Forest.
The Alaska Region has partnered with nonprofits Society of American Foresters and Alaska Geographic to create a conservation education campaign directly tied to the project, educating Alaskans and Americans nationwide on Alaska's National Forests and the multi-use mission of the agency. The Society of American Foresters and Alaska Geographic will also support a “whistlestop tour” to communities across the country as the tree is transported from Alaska to Washington, D.C. The campaign is made possible with support from 2024 presenting sponsor, 84 Lumber, contributions from companies large and small, and with vital participation of volunteers locally and across America.
