Capitol Christmas Tree makes its first stop

The massive spruce tree chosen to decorate the US Capitol made its first stop on its 11 stop tour through the country. 

The Sitka spruce tree was cut down on Zarembo Island in the Tongass National forest in Southeast Alaska. 

According to Alaska News Source, the tree was welcomed in a special ceremony at the Alaska Marine Highway Terminal in Ketchikan before it was loaded onto a barge and floated to Seattle, Washington. The tree will then be transported to Baker City, Oregon by semi truck. 

Lynden Transport will be responsible for transporting the tree. Truckers Fred Austin and John Schank, who have both been driving for Lynden since 1975, will drive the tree across the country on its journey to the capitol. This is the second time Schank has been selected to transport the tree. 

“The Society of American Foresters prides itself on the importance of scientific, sustainable management of our forests,”said Terry Baker, CEO of the Society of National Foresters, the nonprofit partner for the Capitol Christmas Tree.

. “And the ability to tie that mission, part of our mission to the capitol Christmas tree, is critical.”