Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Mark Udall welcomed today the lighting of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, a 73-foot Englemann spruce from the White River National Forest near Meeker, and called on all Americans to remember the importance of our national forests to our economy and quality of life.
“Congratulations to the town of Meeker and the White River National Forest for providing the tree; and thank you to the hundreds of students who provided the handmade ornaments decorating it. Coloradans and visitors from all over the world already know how special our state is,” Bennet said. “It is a special treat to share a little bit of home with everyone who lives in and visits Washington this holiday season.”
“It is a great honor for Colorado and the White River National Forest to provide the Capitol Christmas Tree to the nation. The tree highlights the importance of our national forests for our tourism economy and the businesses who locate here for our quality of life,” Udall said. “As we light this tree, I hope it remains a shining reminder to my colleagues inside the U.S. Capitol of the importance of our forests and why we need to protect and preserve them for our generation and all future Americans.”
The Capitol Christmas Tree arrived in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 26 following a tour of the country. The tree is a symbol of Colorado’s open spaces and outdoor recreation. The tree also is a visible reminder of the severe wildfire season Colorado experienced this year. During the tree’s national tour, one of the partners for the project, Choose Outdoors, raised funds to help restoration efforts for the High Park and Waldo Canyon fires earlier this year.