Society of American Foresters Proudly Announces New Partnership
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
October 26,
2023
The Society of
American Foresters Announces New Partnership
WASHINGTON - We are excited to announce that the Society of
American Foresters (SAF) is the new non-profit organization, in collaboration
with the USDA Forest Service, for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative.
Since 2020, SAF has served as a sponsor and partner in
communicating the importance of sustainability with the U.S. CCT’s journey.
Starting in 2024, SAF will partner with the USDA Forest Service to ensure an
exciting and engaging journey for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.
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 is selected each
year from a different national forest.
“The U.S. Capitol represents many people from differing
communities and walks of life coming together in unison for a common cause,
similar to how natural resources support our quality of life. As such, we take
great pride in providing the symbolic People’s Tree as part of a long-standing,
historic tradition,” said Forest Service Associate Chief Angela Coleman. “This
project’s partnerships are integral in making this special journey possible.”
2024 marks the 54th journey from a national forest to the
Nation’s capital. The partnership will consist of a year-long conservation
education campaign about the Forest Service's multiple-use mission, a
multi-stop tour from the chosen national forest to the West Lawn of the U.S.
Capitol in Washington, DC, and encouraging partners and communities across
America to share in the experience while celebrating our public lands.
“This partnership represents the important role that our
forests and forest products play in our communities,” says Terry Baker, SAF
CEO. “I feel it aligns strongly with SAF’s role in the forestry community to
broaden the awareness of forests and professionals who work to sustain them for current and future generations.”
For the past 12 years, Choose Outdoors has served as the
national non-profit partner supporting the USDA Forest Service in bringing the
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to life.
“With more than a century of bringing forestry and natural
resources professionals together and a community of more than 10,000 members
strong, there is no better organization to take on this time-honored
tradition”, said Bruce Ward, president of Choose Outdoors. “We’re thrilled to
pass the baton to SAF and follow the tree’s journey for years to come.”
The initiative is made possible with partnerships,
sponsorships, and volunteers locally and across America who provide vital
support of time and resources.
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Media Contact:
Allie Heredia
[email protected]
202-931-0222
For news, events, and tour information, visit uscapitolchristmastree.com and
follow along on social media:
Facebook: @USCapitolChristmasTree
X, the platform formerly known as Twitter: @USCapitolTree
Instagram: @USCapitolChristmasTree
The Society of American Foresters (SAF) is the national scientific and educational organization representing over 9,000 forestry and natural resources professionals across the United States. Founded in 1900 by Gifford Pinchot, SAF promotes science-based, sustainable management and stewardship of the nation’s public and private forests. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, SAF members include forestry and natural resource professionals in public and private settings, researchers, CEOs, administrators, NGOs, consulting foresters, educators, and students.