Cottonwood Chronicle

The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests will provide the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to stand in front of the Nation’s Capitol in Washington, D.C. This tree, the first U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, will be the focal point of a year of community events and festivities. These events will celebrate the past, present, and future of the forests, their partners, and surrounding communities.
“Idaho couldn’t be prouder to see one of our own trees chosen as the Nation’s Capitol Christmas Tree,” said Idaho Governor Brad Little. “This is a great honor and a reminder of the natural beauty we’re blessed with here at home. We’re excited to share some Idaho spirit with families across the country next Christmas season.”
“It is an honor to see a piece of our backyard bring Idaho spirit to the nation’s Capitol this holiday season,” said U.S. Senator Mike Crapo. “This remarkable tree from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests represents the natural beauty, stewardship and community spirit of north-central Idaho. The lights that will illuminate its branches will provide a glimpse into the radiant beauty and wonder of Idaho’s natural landscape. Idaho is proud to share a piece of our public lands with the nation during this season of reflection and unity.”
U.S. Senator Jim Risch said, “It is an honor to have the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree come from Idaho’s Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. Idaho’s public lands are the pride of the Gem State and central to our way of life. I look forward to seeing this piece of Idaho at the centerpiece of our nation’s Christmas celebrations this year.”
Partners play a significant role in making this achievement possible, including the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree national partner, the Society of American Foresters (SAF).
“2026 marks the celebration of our nation's 250th anniversary. SAF is proud to continue our support of The People's Tree as it makes its way across the country,” said SAF CEO Terry Baker. “This public/private partnership exemplifies what we can accomplish when we come together from varied backgrounds and interests with a common goal. It speaks to the core of what America was founded on and continues to strive to be. I know the great state of Idaho and its many communities will rise to this occasion for its forests and our nation. SAF will be there in lockstep in promoting the importance of our forests and forestry professionals.”
For fifty-six years, the Forest Service has partnered with the Architect of the Capitol on the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. The Capitol tree is carefully selected from one of America’s 154 national forests and taken to the U.S. Capitol after a whistlestop tour in communities locally and across
the U.S. Before its journey, the forests and non-profit partners will host a series of engaging events across north-central Idaho to celebrate the tree, make ornaments, and learn about the forests.
The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest spans more than 4 million acres of land. Somewhere amongst its deep canyons, high mountains, and wild rivers, the tree that will grace the U.S. Capitol is growing. Over the course of this year, the Forest Service looks forward to sharing more about its rich history, fascinating ecology, and productive landscape.
Jon Word, forest supervisor on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests announced, “It is a great honor to provide the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, the “People’s Tree”, from the Nez Perce-Clearwater. We look forward to working closely with the Nez Perce Tribe, the Society of American Foresters and all our partners and communities. Our forests are excited to rise to the occasion, honor the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree traditions of the past while we highlight our communities, our partners, our employees, and the Nez Perce Tribe. The Nez Perce-Clearwater has a rich story to tell, and we are honored to be able to share that story with the Nation this year.”
About the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative is a 56-year tradition in which one of America’s 154 national forests provides a tree for the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the holiday season. The project is made possible with support from partners including the Society of American Foresters and the Nez Perce Tribe, along with contributions from companies and volunteers across America.
We invite the public to follow the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree project: · Facebook: USCapitolChristmasTree and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests · Instagram: @USCapitolChristmasTree To learn more about the history of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, visit www.aoc.gov/what-we-do/programs-ceremonies/capitol-christmas-tree. Follow along at www.uscapitolchristmastree.com.