Oregon to provide US Capitol Christmas tree in 2018

SWEET HOME, Ore. – Forestry officials say that Oregon has been selected to provide the 2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas tree.

Willamette National Forest officials said Friday the tree will be cut from the Sweet Home Ranger District.

The tree will be displayed on the West Lawn of the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. with a public tree-lighting ceremony in early December.

The U.S. Forest Service has provided the Capitol Christmas Tree every year since 1970. Seventy smaller trees will also be sent to decorate government buildings and public spaces.

Oregonians will contribute 10,000 handmade ornaments that celebrate the state’s cultural history and people, landscapes, natural resources, and fish and wildlife.

The theme for the 2018 Capitol Christmas Tree is “Find Your Trail!” in recognition of two 2018 anniversaries: the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act, and the 175th commemoration of the Oregon Trail.