Montrose County issued the following announcement on Oct. 23.
Every year, a different national forest is selected to provide a tree to appear on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building for the holiday season. The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, in partnership with nonprofit partner Choose Outdoors and Colorado Tourism, will present this special gift from Colorado to Washington, D.C. for the 2020 holiday season. Ten communities will host special celebrations along the way, including a special appearance in Montrose on Tuesday, November 10, from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. in front of the city's Visitor Center located at 107 South Cascade Avenue.
Under the theme, ‘Experience Your Nature’, the 55’ tall Engelmann Spruce will be harvested from the Uncompahgre National Forest on November 6 and prepared for the nearly 2,000-mile expedition. The tree will be delivered to the U.S. Capitol on November 20, decorated by handmade ornaments specially created by Coloradans, and be lit in early December.
The tree’s visit to Montrose on November 10 will be open to the public and free for all to enjoy. Due to the ongoing concerns over COVID-19, face coverings are required as well as social distancing.
“Southwest Colorado is home to some of the most beautiful public lands in our country,” Montrose Mayor Barbara Bynum said. “I am looking forward to celebrating the 2020 US Capitol Christmas Tree and consider it a reminder that we must be good stewards of these precious natural resources so that future generations can continue to enjoy our national forests.”
“As a native to Montrose County, I am proud to say that this year’s U.S. Capitol Tree is coming from our backyard,” said Montrose County Commissioner Keith Caddy. “This tree is a bright spot in a difficult year and it represents some key features of the county including: agriculture-oriented, strength and fortitude, and vast public lands. I am excited that we are able to share this small part of our community with the U.S. Capitol to bring joy during the holiday season.”
The initiative was made possible by cash and in-kind contributions from companies large and small as well as volunteers, locally and across America, who provide vital time and resources.
“We are grateful to the host cities such as Montrose who play a vital part of bringing the tree across the country and this annual celebration”, said Bruce Ward, President, Choose Outdoors.”
Original source can be found here.
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