U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree National Forest Announcement

Alaska’s National Forests will supply the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

April 24, 2024

WASHINGTON – We are excited to announce that the USDA Forest Service (Forest Service) has selected Alaska’s National Forests to supply the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. The Society of American Foresters (SAF), alongside the Forest Service, Alaska Geographic (AK Geo), and presenting sponsor 84 Lumber, is leading 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. Capitol Christmas Tree’s journey. SAF has developed key messages and educational pieces to share with event attendees along the tour route. New this year, SAF is partnering with the Forest Service to ensure an exciting and engaging journey for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from Alaska to DC.

“SAF sees the opportunity to serve as the new national partner represents a key component of its mission to bring awareness, interest, and understanding to the importance of forests, forest practices, and forest products. The importance of our forests and forest products to capture carbon and meet a variety of societal values is at one of its highest levels in our history. The people’s tree is a great opportunity broaden that understanding and awareness in society,” said SAF CEO Terry Baker. 

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree – known as “The People’s Tree” reflecting the nickname for the US 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. 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. 

The initiative is made possible with partnerships, sponsorships, and volunteers locally and across America who provide vital support of time and resources. For more details about you can sponsor this initiative, visit uscapitolchristmastree.com.

Read the official USDA Forest Service national forest announcement here.