Tree from fuel project gets 2nd life at Capitol
Tree lighting ceremony will take place on Dec. 5
Every year at the Arizona state Capitol’s executive tower lobby, a Christmas tree is set up and decorated — its tree lighting ceremony hosted by the governor in early December.
This year, Arizonans can expect the same, but the tree has a unique story.
“This tree came off a fuel reduction project. It was already tagged for removal to meet the project’s objectives,” said Tiffany Davila, spokesperson with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. The fuel mitigation projects that Davila referred to are conducted across the state to protect communities at risk of wildland fires.
As crews were readying to dispose of the 30-foot-plus Douglas Fir from the Coconino National Forest, the department decided to give it a second life, staying true to the Christmas spirit, and delivered it to the state Capitol.
Megan Rose, spokesperson with the Arizona Department of Administration, said the General Services Division team was responsible for decorating the tree prior to the lighting ceremony.
“The tree was brought into the tower on Saturday morning, secured, and then lights and decorations were put on and they were finished by Sunday evening,” Rose said.
The Capitol Christmas Tree lighting ceremony will take place on Dec. 5.