Officials with the U.S. Forest Service have unveiled a new logo designed to commemorate the 2023 Capitol Christmas Tree, which will be harvested from the Monongahela National Forest in eastern West Virginia.
Amy Albright, project manager for the Christmas tree project, unveiled the design, which draws on the mountain beauty of the Monongahela.
“All of us at Monongahela National Forest are so excited to share this logo which was specifically designed with the landscape of West Virginia in mind,” Albright said.
“We are proud of the Mountain State, and we worked to ensure that the logo reflects that.”
The Monongahela National Forest had previously provided the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in 1970 and 1976. This year’s theme is “Endlessly Wild and Wonderful.”
The U.S. Forest Service has partnered with the non-profit "Choose Outdoors" to assist in creating a conservation education campaign about the multi-use mission of the Forest Service.
The public will be able to join in the fun through virtual and in-person events throughout the year, including making ornaments to adorn the tree. Staff will also provide outreach programs to schools and youth organizations across the state.
Forest Supervisor Shawn Cochran said he's looking forward to building on the excitement the notoriety is bringing to the forest, which approaches within 150 miles of the National Mall in Washington, where the tree will be raised.
“We see this project as an opportunity to celebrate the State of West Virginia and share the mission and values of the forest service,” Cochran said.
“Our project goals include engaging with children, communities, and non-profit organizations, and strengthening existing relationships with stakeholders including tribal, state, and local governments.”
Once the tree is selected and harvested, it will be toured around communities in West Virginia and surrounding states before being delivered to the Architect of the Capitol in Washington
The initiative is made possible with support from the presenting sponsor, 84 Lumber, and with cash and in-kind contributions from companies large and small, along with vital support from volunteers locally and across America.
The Monongahela National Forest was established in 1920 and includes more than 920,000 acres of federal land in 10 West Virginia counties. The Monongahela is a "working forest" managed for multiple uses, including outdoor recreation, range, timber, water, fish and wildlife, and wilderness.
Follow the journey of the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree journey and be a part of the festivities at USCapitolChristmasTree.com.
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