Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/183630
special hauls to represent the people of the United States at Christmas. CHANGING LANES Washington State last received this honor back in 2006, when a Pacific Silver Fir tree from the Olympic National Forest was selected. However, this is the first time the tree will come from Eastern Washington. Colville National Forest staff and the public were asked to nominate trees for the prestigious gig. After reviewing 40 trees across three counties, forestry technician Cally Davidson narrowed the candidates down to 10. Each was inspected for height, fullness, branch uniformity and site logistics. An 88-foot tall Engelmann Spruce from the Newport-Sullivan Lake Ranger District in Pend Oreille Country was selected. "All of the candidate trees were excellent specimens, but the chosen tree has the fullness and width needed for the Capitol grounds," said Ted Bechtol, Superintendent of Grounds at the U.S. Capitol. Forest Service personnel recently met with the driver of the 2013 Capitol Christmas Tree, Duane Brusseau, to make sure that the 100 foot Mack truck and Hale trailer combination that will carry The People's Tree across country could navigate the forest roads to and from the tree's location. Brusseau was delighted to report that the tree Bechtol selected can be accessed. "It's a very beautiful tree, one that the people of this great state will be proud to send to our nation's capital," said Colville National Forest Supervisor, Laura Jo West. Seven of the This 88-foot tall Engelmann Spruce will soon will grace the Capitol Christmas lawn of the Capitol building in Washington D.C. Photo courtesy of the Colville National Forest. trees have been 10 special hauls 1013 cl.indd 2 october 2013 // WWW.CHANGINGLANESDIGITAL.COM 9/5/13 2:40 PM