A very tall visitor showed up at the Legislative Building last week and is expected to stay there through January 1. We’re talking about this year’s holiday tree, which will be the center of attention Friday evening (Dec. 4) at the Holiday Kids’ Tree Lighting Ceremony, sponsored by the Association of Washington Business.
The background story is that this 48-foot noble fir came from state trust lands managed by DNR. More precisely, from the Toutle Forest Block on Toutle Ridge in Cowlitz County, an area within the blast zone of the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption. DNR reforested the area and today many of those seedlings top 60 feet in height. When harvested, they will provide income to trust beneficiaries including state universities and public schools. As for the tree selected to grace the Rotunda this year, state trust beneficiaries will be reimbursed for its cost (approximately $240 at today’s log prices).
The Kids’ Tree project raises funds for toys to underprivileged children. The tree lighting event is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday in the Capitol Rotunda. Those taking part include:
- Kids in Koncert from the Capital Playhouse
- Toy Industry Foundation
- Governor Chris Gregoire
- A bearded visitor from the North Pole
By the way, General Administration’s new policy and procedure for displays and exhibits in Capitol Campus buildings are online.
More photos of the tree are on DNR’s Flickr page.
