DELTA – Governor Jared Polis with USDA Forest Service Acting Regional Forester for the Rocky Mountain Region, Jennifer Eberlien, Director of Communications and Sponsorship, Jodi Massey and Director Cathy Ritter from the Colorado Tourism Office, announced the kick-off of the 2020 Capitol Christmas Tree project.

Governor Polis and special guests encouraged Coloradans to “Experience Your Nature”, the theme of this year’s tree, and get involved with making an ornament for the tree.

“I’m thrilled that one of Colorado’s magnificent Engelmann Spruce is heading to Washington D.C. to represent our state at the U.S. Capitol during the holidays this year,” said Governor Jared Polis.

“Coloradans are proud of our state’s natural beauty, forests, and incredible outdoor spaces, and I’m glad the rest of the country will be able to see a small piece of the majesty that Colorado offers. While this is a difficult time for people across our state and across the country, I hope that Colorado’s contribution to the national Christmas spirit can help bring us all together.”

Every year since 1970, USDA Forest Service has provided the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. Several smaller, companion trees will also be sent to Washington, D.C., to decorate government buildings and public spaces. Providing

the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, also known as “The People’s Tree,” is a great honor for the State of Colorado and the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests. It provides anopportunitytohighlight the state’s breathtaking cultural and natural resources and Colorado’s world-class recreational settings and activities. The tree will be displayed on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building in Wash- ington, D.C., with a public tree-lighting ceremony in early December 2020.

“The GMUG is honored and excited to be providing the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. The GMUG plays an important role in Experiencing Your Nature and we look forward to highlighting all that the GMUG has to offer. We are thrilled about the opportunity to work with and showcase the great state of Colorado” said Acting Regional For- ester, Jennifer Eberlien.

“We sincerely hope the gift of this towering tree from Colorado for the Capitol lawn helps inspire deep pride in America the Beautiful and happiness throughout the holidays, while showcasing the splendor of Colorado’s Mountains and Mesas region,” said Colorado Tourism Director Cathy Ritter.”

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative is made possible with cash and in-kind contributions from companies large and small as well as volunteers locally and across America, who provide vital support of time and resources.

Sponsors include Kenworth Truck Company, Apex Transportation, Spireon, Inc., Hale Trailer, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Truckload Carriers As- sociation, Great West Casualty Company**, LexisNexis VitalChek Network, Inc., TravelCenters of America, Montrose County Event Center and Bass Pro Shops.

The Forest will be working closely with Choose Outdoors for the project along with a host of other partners, sponsors and volunteers who will contribute funding and thousands of hours to help make ornaments and transport the tree from Colorado to Washington, D.C.

“The annual journey is only possible with the help of strong community partnerships throughout Colorado and beyond state lines,” said Bruce Ward, President of Choose Out- doors. “We’re grateful for thetimeandresourcesthat aregenerouslyprovidedto celebrate our public lands and help bring hope and joy to the nation.”

Communities will be encouraged to share the experience of caring for, decorating and transporting this gift from Colorado to Washington D.C. For more information on how to get involved and follow the excitement visit the Capitol Christmas Tree website at https://www.us- capitolchristmastree.com