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2014 U. S. Capitol Christmas Tree

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2012 - The survives the July wind storm

1992 - provides Capitol

1964 - U.S. tradition begins

1935 - Civilian Conservation Corp build Forest Supervisor’s Office, Camp Rabideau and Marcell Ranger Station

1928 - President Calvin Coolidge officially names the Chippewa National Forest hugely effortcoordinated a success. with the Leech Lake Bandpartnered of Ojibwe and Choose Outdoors to make this employeesService provide of as part support their duties. year, This the Forest Service ofpair white pinebut eastern trees, that proved cumbersome and ultimately unsatisfactory. damage. 1968In and 1969, the were Capitoltrees assembled Christmas by combining a Capitol. the 1967through survived That tree celebration but succumbed to and wind root for $700 Birdsboro,in Buddiesfrom Nursery Penn., was planted on the front lawn of the purchased Douglas- live a tree, first 1964. The in W. John McCormack Representatives ofThe tradition the U.S. CapitolTree Christmas began with Speaker of the House of A TraditionBegins 1964 Forest all Service, dedicated to the event. Forest the and partners organization, nonprofit a by and hosting ornaments various events is covered the way. The cost of moving the providingtree, by supported many local alongcommunities is trip tree’s annual the and land public from “People’s Tree,” named such because it comes playsService rolean integral providingin the Forest the year Now, forest. every national has becometradition an honorannual for one the then, help. for Since Service Forest the to turned Architect 1970, Capitol early the in So, came to the office. This was a way to showcase the Capitol Christmas Tree ornaments. Tree Christmas Capitol the showcase to way a was This office. the to came they when visitors greeted that tree Christmas small a for decorations create helped students Supervisor’s inOffice Cass Lake on Wednesday, 11. As ofthepart afternoon, Forest’s National Chippewa the at held announcement special the in employees joined Elementary Lake-Bena Cass from students and Bear To Smokey 2014 event, of the kick-off tree . white 60-foot a of Ojibwe sent Band Lake Leech and Forest National Chippewa the 1992, In nation’s celebrations. of the holiday part nation’s as our capital visited has from tree a since passed has D.C. generation A , Tree to 2014 the for Christmas Capitol provider the as selected was Forest National Chippewa The Chippewa NationalForestisSelected the North” – Minnesota’s state motto. state North” Minnesota’s – the of Star “The as Minnesota representing the on and the atopthe tree star for pattern floral of the use the included uniquetree. Other Christmas features a and design, use of the Capitol building as the bald eagle, Ojibwetraditional floral such elements important logo include the of Highlights Minnesota. northern from the heritage of the people and communities a symbol throughout the project representing as used logo was Tree. The Christmas Capitol officialAn logo was designed forthe 2014 U.S. Tree Logo 2014 CapitolChristmas

December, 2013

2012 - The tree survives the July wind storm

1992 - Chippewa National Forest provides Capitol Christmas Tree

1964 - U.S. Capitol Christmas tree tradition begins

1935 - Civilian Conservation Corp build Forest Supervisor’s Office, Camp Rabideau and Marcell Ranger Station

1928 - President Calvin Coolidge officially names the Chippewa National Forest 10,000 ornaments boxed and ready to go! season. Christmas this U.S. Capitol the to Minnesota from special and unique something sending organizations and schools across the state who took the to and time create foran ornament, Fair. State Minnesota contests held conjunctionin across with fairs the county state as well as the immensely popular resources. addition,In peoplecultural were invited to make ofand a in enter variety ornaments months state and the in to that summer spring reflectcreate ornaments Minnesota’s and natural known. is Minnesota which for of lakes, 10,000 Land groups throughout the community state of The number is a Minnesota. representation the and children by made ornaments 10,000 some with adorned are season Christmas the for 10,000 Ornaments The The Chippewa National Forest worked with organizations and communities, schools across the The The 2014 U.S. and Capitol70tree companion that Christmas are lighting trees up the Capitol Special thank youSpecial thank to all of the people communities, of Minnesota, Tree.Christmas life and as a symbol of that the as was the tree harvested U.S. Capitol of cycle the represent to campus Mayo the on tree a plant to helped also K-12 school groups made 1,000 the Children to trees. adorn ornaments of theme a using and Clinic Mayo Rochester’s for members to ofbe community a part history. by Organized Rochester, Minnesota is onethatMinnesota community embraced the opportunity June, 2014 “Joy. Peace. Health.” , Justin Tabaka. Justin employee Forest National Chippewa selected The tree was bynominated Forest. National Chippewa the up make that trees of other millions had the to be tree And, found among to Washington D.transport withstand C. to enough and a species hardy that is trunk, branches, a straight healthy gaps, without 60 to 80 feet size,in pyramid-like shape a full of tree a considered included the search in staff National Forest Chippewa the that 2014. Criteria The search for the Capitolin Tree Christmas began early strike. lightning a as such first, the to happened something case in just backup a as chosen also was tree Another downnarrow the dozens of candidates to tree the final selection. Forest National to Chippewa the visited USDAof the Service Forest Tree Found:OneinaMillion Nordeen. said item” each love into put and time the appreciate we truly and Tree, by people Everyone with Minnesota. strong ties to was northern so proud to ofbe a part Capitol crafted and unique, was piece Tree. Each Christmas Capitol the for project Tree Skirt the with help and told my son my work was going to DC. He couldn’t believe I it!” and “People this were so quick making to to come in forward of hours lot a put “I old, 93-year talented the said life” my in achievements For itMyra, was exciting to have shownher artwork Washingtonin DC. “It’s one of the biggest were skirts, decorated and tree with ornaments of those indoorwere trees placed inside offices ofMinnesota Some Capitol. of the inside the decorate to Association Tree Farmers Minnesota of the help the with The big the front lawngraced oftree the U.S. Capitol building, and the Forest sent 70 smaller trees December, accompanying the 2014 US CapitolTree! Christmas presentation because ofMyra’s skirt the tree handiwork found its way to Washington DC in to Forestcrocheted skirt tree employeeService Nordeen. Mary Everyone was excited about the hand- a presented Kohls ! Christmas early very a deliver to July in Area Recreation Beach the visited Walker, Minnesota, in Center Senior Creek May the from Residents A VerySpecialChristmasGiftinJuly At the end of July, staff from the from staff U.S. Capitol and the Washington Office like Myra’s! like legislators…and those special trees

July, 2014

1992 - Chippewa National Forest provides Capitol Christmas Tree

1964 - U.S. Capitol Christmas tree tradition begins

1935 - Civilian Conservation Corp build Forest Supervisor’s Office, Camp Rabideau and Marcell Ranger Station

1928 - President Calvin Coolidge officially names the Chippewa National Forest Minnesota LoggeroftheYearCuttingTree representatives. and senators Minnesota of the and also the Agriculture head of the U.S. Forest smaller were Service. The stands remaining the in offices Nelson made two that be largerwill stands placedtree the in officewith trees oftheof Secretary from. came they of where recognition some wanted Nelson side. other signed his name on the bottom of each and stand put “Troop 25” on one side and “Bemidji, on the MN” out of each corner. He also included some decorations to show the home location of the Nelsonstands. Nelson for selected whichpattern the stands, a includedwindmill a the in square middle and legs coming Eagle Scout himself, who suggested as the an Eaglestands project. an and Forest, National Chippewa the from Theune Mike by approached were Nelson’s leaders troop Nelson made forthe stands his Boy Scouts of EagleAmerica project. companion and…12 Minnesota trees, made bystands tree Billy Nelson, 16, Bemidji,from Minnesota. The U.S. CapitolTree Christmas was joined by more 10,000than as the from well area, ornaments as 70 Christmas treestands Standing Tall:16-year-oldmakes Minnesota’s competent, professional and independent logging contractors. independent outstanding logging and honorscontractor performance U.S. CapitolTree. Christmas The Logger of the Year Award recognizes year’s this down cut to choice perfect the was Scheff Jim business, family-run outstanding of 2014 an Year’ Minnesota’s owner ofAs the and ‘Logger September, 2014 pile of two-by-fours into stands into two-by-fours of pile “ troop. his from parents and children leaders, troop from the his ownstands parents and both But Nelson wasn’t alone for his project. He had help to build donation. Depot Home a through materials building his obtain and completing all the paperwork. Hepreparing was able to Nelson explained that of the hardest part the project was The best part was building was part best watching them, The them go a from spruce that litspruce up the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. white the of cutting honor the having Scheff Jim SIC). (MN Committee That recognition led to logger Sustainable Forestry Initiative Implementation Minnesota Year” the by of the “Logger the named the April – In Marcell, based companyMinnesota was Trucking. and Logging Scheff for big year a was This ,” Nelson said. travel to Washington, D.C. Washington, to travel for wrapped was it where State University the leginitial of its journey to Bemidji for tree the of preparing process arduous CollegeItascafrom Community began the students and Forest National Chippewa from the TreeAfter was on secured the trailer, the team long! 100-feet over was length trailer and truck total The branches. the crush not and trunk the support to cribbing one-of-a-kind with trailer designed flatbed attendees, including 170 local school children, gathered to witness the once in a generation event. public cutting ceremony for the 2014 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, a 88-foot tall white spruce. Approximately 500 The Chippewa National Forest, in partnership with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and Choose Outdoors, hosted a October 29, 2014, was an autumn day with a hint of winter and the thought of Christmas was in the air. Tree CuttingCeremony said Chairwoman Carri Jones. saidCarri Chairwoman thewitness lighting ceremony first-hand, and travel may working hard to so fundraise area students been Minnesota.has Lake Leech northern from communities chosen white to represent the heritage spruce of people our and for the Tree U.S. Capitol Christmas 2014 We events. the are to proud send “ said Forest DarlaSupervisor Lenz. able to highlight Minnesota’s providing by natural resources the Tree,” U.S. Capitol Christmas Chippewa National community.and The Forest to of proud be toand this proud be part tradition is are symbolic“Christmas to trees children,of onthat connections focuses a tradition family, friends The Leech Lake Band ofBand Ojibwe Lake Leech The honored of is to the be a part celebrations of fall, the letting tree two massive loweredcarefully cranes it onto a specially Instead tree. the of cutting honor the had Year Scheff of the Jim Logger Minnesota Jones. Carri OjibweChairwoman of Band Lake Leech and Franken’s office, Al U.S. Senator from staff Nolan, Rick U.S. Representative Klobuchar, Amy Senator U.S. by remarks included also program The Aitken. Larry Advisor Ojibwe Spiritual of Band Lake Leech by ceremony blessing traditional a and Lenz Darla Supervisor The event began at noon with a welcome the from Chippewa National Forest ”

October, 2014

1964 - U.S. Capitol Christmas tree tradition begins

1935 - Civilian Conservation Corp build Forest Supervisor’s Office, Camp Rabideau and Marcell Ranger Station

1928 - President Calvin Coolidge officially names the Chippewa National Forest • Friday, November14: • Thursday, November13: • • Wednesday, November 12 • Tuesday, November11 • Monday, November10: • • Saturday, November8 • • Friday, November7 • • Thursday, November6 • • • Wednesday, November5 • • • Tuesday, November4 • • Monday, November3 • • Sunday, November2 old! and young people 45,000 over stopped at overcaravan 30 alongcommunities the way reaching its Tree and Christmas U.S. Capitol The wagon. a horse-drawn via River Mississippi of the headwaters the from of water drink The begantour at Itasca State Park where received the tree a Kenworth Trucks with Willefrom drivers Transport at the helm. by across communities the country. was The tree transported CapitolTree Christmas showcased Minnesota’s beauty in natural D.C., 2014 the Washington to way the all Forest National Chippewa Minnesota’s From U.S. Capitol. the to journey the for caretakers left the Chippewa spruce– National Forest followed by a caravan of On November 2, with – fanfare, the great an tree 80-foot plus white The Tour State University, Lansing, East MI FordGerald Museum, Grand Rapids, MI Elementary,Elwood IL Elwood, Wilmington High School, Wilmington, IL Community Spirit Park, Milwaukee, WI Forest Products Lab, Madison, WI Northern Camp, Star Base Council Fort Snelling, MN Cabela’s, Owatonna, MN St. James Hotel, Wing, Red MN Mayo Rochester Clinic, MN Lifetouch Photography, Prairie, Eden MN Garlough School, West Elementary Saint Paul, MN Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, MN Grand Rapids, MN Wille Transport, MN Cohasset, River River,Deer High School,Deer MN Marcell Family Center, Marcell, MN Blackduck Public School, Blackduck, MN Band of Lake OjibweLeech TribalLake, Office, Cass MN Walker City Park, Walker, MN MN Bemidji, Itasca State Park, Park Rapids, MN The “People’s Tree” travels to Washington DC -November 2014 • Thursday, November20: • • Tuesday, November 18: • • Monday, November17: • Sunday, November16 • Saturday, November15: Joint Andrews Air Force Joint Base, Andrews, MD Base Oglebay and Resort Conference Center, Wheeling, WV Winter Wonderland inMarietta, Marietta, OH Charleston Town Center Mall, Charleston, WV Kenworth Truck Company, Chillicothe, OH Browns Stadium-Cleveland First Energy Football Game, Cleveland, OH FordHenry Museum, MI Dearborn, November, 2014

1935 - Civilian Conservation Corp build Forest Supervisor’s Office, Camp Rabideau and Marcell Ranger Station

1928 - President Calvin Coolidge officially names the Chippewa National Forest The Official Lighting Thank You for a Wonderful Journey The 88 foot spruce from the Chippewa National Forest was lit on Tuesday, December 2, officially The 2014 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree had quite the journey. It traveled roughly 2,700 miles, making 30 stops from ushering in the holiday season. Stephen T. Ayers, Architect of the Capitol, served as the Master of Minnesota to DC and visiting 8 states before arriving at the U.S. Capitol early in the morning on Friday, November 22. Ceremonies, with Speaker of the House of Representatives, , assisting in the lighting. From the tree’s first drink of water brought by horse U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Senator Al Franken and U.S. Representative Rick Nolan were and carriage from the Headwaters of the Mississippi part of the Minnesota delegation on hand to celebrate with U.S. Forest Service representatives, River to the Joint Andrews Air Force Base, the tree Choose Outdoors and other partners and more than 200 members of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. brought people together across the country. Special Aaron Urban, a 10-year-old boy fighting brain cancer who wished for a special Christmas, memories along the journey included: a 65 foot flipped the switch that lights the tree as part of his Make-A-Wish Foundation grant. banner replica of the tree on display at Bentleyville The tree shone brightly from dusk until 11 p.m. every night through January 1. in Duluth, the poignant essays written by K-4 graders delivered at Garlough Elementary, and a bag pipe escort in Rochester. Also, a flash mob of dancers with kazoos in Red Wing, students from 60 schools that helped decorate Cathedral Park Square in Milwaukee, Smokey Bear dancing on stage in the Fan Zone at the Cleveland Browns Sunday football game, hundreds of mittens signed by residents in

Michigan to wish the tree well on its journey, the 10,0000 ornaments that accompanied the Capitol Christmas Tree National Forest the Chippewa names officially Coolidge Calvin President and 70 companion trees, and finally the servicemen and women at the Joint Andrews Air Force Base who helped unwrap the tree and prepare it for its final stop. We are thankful for the countless hours of planning and preparation with local Chambers of - 1928 Commerce, Business Districts, city staff, local law enforcement, and incredible support by community groups such as Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, Salvation Army, Rotary Clubs, and more. It was truly an incredible experience.

What made the journey so special was the incredible sense of community along the way. The outpouring of support and people coming together to create Joining Together for a Special Trip something special and unique to each of their The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and local communities raised money to send own communities was truly remarkable. 200 plus students, teachers, chaperones, and elders to Washington DC to experience the ceremonial lighting of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. The Leech Lake Band’s Tribal Council was also in attendance for the tree lighting ceremony as well as several other events during the week including: the Chief of the Forest Service’s reception, a drum and dance ceremony at the American Indian Museum, President Obama’s Tribal Leader’s Summit and a hand drum performance at the Botanical Gardens. The trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity for those that went.

It was a very special trip for several Band members who were making their second visit to take part in the lighting ceremony. District I Representative, Penny DeVault. DeVault attended the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting as a student in 1992. DeVault recalls, “I had the privilege of attending the trip as a student of Deer River High school and 22 years later, I have the honor of attending as a member of the Leech Lake Tribal Council as the District I Representative. It was an excellent learning experience and opportunity for me as a young student. The 2014 trip will help pave the way for our youth to become future leaders of our nation and positive role models.”

The “People’s Tree”shines - December 2, 2014 2014 Capitol Christmas Delivering the tree would not have been possible without Tree Sponsors the generous support from private individuals and The Chippewa National Forest partnered with organizations. The following partners are proud to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and Choose support the 2014 tour: Outdoors, Inc. to make the 2014 U.S. Capitol PREMIER JACK Christmas Tree a success. Being able to work Lifetouch Inc., Eden Prairie, Minnesota Angie’s Kettle Corn, Mankato, Minnesota with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and Arrow Printing, Bemidji, Minnesota MAJOR Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau, Austin, Minnesota Choose Outdoors on the 2014 U.S. Capitol Kenworth Truck Co., Kirkland, Washington The Bemidji Pioneer, Bemidji, Minnesota Christmas Tree was a wonderful opportunity WHITE SPRUCE Berg Companies, Spokane, Washington for the local communities and to further Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel, West Berlin, New Jersey Boise Paper, International Falls, Minnesota reTHINK Wood Burnsville Visitors & Convention Bureau, strengthen our ties. Burnsville, Minnesota BALSAM FIR City of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota Working with the non-profit organization Advantage Emblem & Screen Printing/Bentleyville, City of Isle, Minnesota Duluth, Minnesota Choose Outdoors not only helped give the City of Princeton, Minnesota ALK Maps, Princeton, New Jersey Duluth Pack, Duluth, Minnesota project support by working with local Cleveland Browns NFL Football Ely Chamber of Commerce, Ely, Minnesota Explore Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota sponsors and companies; but also added Fine Impressions, North Mankato, Minnesota Lakeland Public Television, Bemidji, Minnesota experience needed for this national event. InHarvest, Bemidji, Minnesota Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota Lefty’s Tent and Party Rental, Bovey, Minnesota Minnesota Christmas Tree Association, Clear Lake, Minnesota Choose Outdoors is a non-profit organization Nesbitt’s Nursery & Orchard, Red Wing, Minnesota PeopleNet, Minnetonka, Minnesota Porta-John, Bemidji, Minnesota created to help unite the many diverse interests Randall-Reilly, Tuscaloosa, Alabama RK Construction, Marcell, Minnesota City of Red Wing, Minnesota using our public lands with emphasis on Sauk Centre Convention & Visitors Bureau, promoting and preserving access, use and the Red Wing Shoes, Red Wing, Minnesota Sauk Centre, Minnesota St. James Hotel, Red Wing, Minnesota Scheff Logging & Trucking, Marcell, Minnesota future of outdoor recreation on our public lands. Truckload Carriers Association, Alexandria, Sturdiwheat Foods, Inc., Red Wing, Minnesota Visit Duluth, Duluth, Minnesota Summit Brewing Company, Saint Paul, Minnesota Wille Transport, Inc., Cohasset, Minnesota SUPERthrive • The Original Vitamin Solution, North NORTHERN WHITE CEDAR Hollywood, America’s Best Value Inn, Westlake Village, California Vetter Stone, Kasota, Minnesota The Babcock & Wilcox Company, Charlotte, Visit Mankato, Mankato, Minnesota Cabela’s • World’s Foremost Outfitter, Owatonna, Minnesota City of Wabasha, Minnesota Christiansen Industrial Developers, Bemidji, Minnesota Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce, Eaton Company, Cleveland, Convention & Visitors Bureau, Worthington, Minnesota Marvin Windows and Doors, Warroad, Minnesota NONPROFIT PARTNERS Minnesota State Historical Society Bemidji State University Minnesota Trucking Association, Saint Paul, Minnesota Boy Scouts of America Lorenz Bus Service Girl Scouts RED PINE Minnesota State Historical Society Joint Base Andrews, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Dovetail Partners, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota Rotary Gerald R. Ford Museum, Grand Rapids, Michigan The Salvation Army Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, Michigan Toys for Tots Next Solutions LTD, Walker, Minnesota PermitWizard, Brentwood, Tennessee

Publication: 4/15

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