Jeremy Crawford
Nov 25, 20222 min
In a Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) timber sale area in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Governor Greg Gianforte yesterday selected the 2022 State Capitol Christmas tree.
“Harvested on our public lands, this Montana tree will be proudly displayed in the state capitol for Montanans to enjoy this Christmas,” Governor Gianforte said. “We look forward to welcoming folks in to see it.”
The 2022 State Capitol Christmas tree was harvested from the Rancho Deluxe GNA timber sale in coordination with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest (BDNF) Pintler District, Sun Mountain Lumber, and Parke Logging, Inc. This marks the first time the capitol tree was obtained from a GNA timber sale.
BDNF District Ranger Cameron Raser provided a special use permit for the harvest, and Sean Steinebach, Outreach Forester for Sun Mountain Lumber, recommended the tree to the governor for harvest.
“I was excited to help select the Christmas Tree for the Montana Governor from a GNA timber sale on the BDNF in conjunction with the Montana Department of Natural Resources,” Steinebach said. “The effects of these timber sales for our communities and local economies is so important and impacts families throughout the year, but especially during the holidays.”
The Good Neighbor Authority allows states, counties, and tribes to enter into agreements with the Forest Service to conduct authorized restoration services on National Forest System Lands.
Increasing the number of forest acres treated in Montana, including through the use of the GNA, is a top priority for Governor Gianforte.
Christmas tree permits for national forest land are available at local Ranger Districts or online at Recreation.gov. Permits for the 2022 holiday season are $5.00 a tree, with a limit of three trees. A small transaction fee is associated with the online platform.
Montanans are encouraged to participate in the unique tradition of harvesting Christmas trees from public lands to benefit forest health and resiliency and improve wildlife habitat.
The 2022 State Capitol Christmas tree will be decorated in the capitol next week.