Story thread · 2 reports / 2 sources

Why a tree in Idaho will be a ‘BIG gift’ to the nation this year

deseret.com · 3hShare

Christmas is four months away, but plans are already in motion to decorate the nation’s Capitol. Each year, a tree is selected from one of America’s national forests to be placed on the west lawn of the Capitol and decorated with thousands of handmade ornaments. This year, the chosen tree is an 80-foot tall grand Fir from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest in Idaho. The tree, selected from a pool of 60 candidates, is the first grand fir to be chosen since the tradition took root 62 years ago. Other types of firs, like the Douglas fir and balsam fir, have been common choices before. “This grand fir stood out for its perfect form and full shape ; and we can’t wait to welcome its arrival to the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol,” said Jim Kaufmann, executive director of Capitol Grounds and Arboretum at the Architect of the Capitol. Idaho Gov. Brad Little said the tree is “a BIG Christmas gift to the nation.” Idaho is sending a BIG Christmas gift to the nation! An 80-foot grand fir from

First report: Nebraska officials seeking donation for Capitol Christmas tree — omaha.com, 3d