Tag: Monongahela National Forest

Randolph County Fourth Grader To Light U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree 

Ethan Reese, a 4th grade student from Randolph County, will light the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree on Tuesday in Washington, D.C. The Beverly Elementary School student has a deep connection to the Monongahela National Forest, where this year’s U.S. Capitol tree came from. His great-great-grandfather Arthur Wood was one of the first superintendents there.

Ethan Reese, a 4th grade student from Randolph County, will light the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree on Tuesday in Washington, D.C.  

The Beverly Elementary School student has a deep connection to the Monongahela National Forest, where this year’s U.S. Capitol tree came from. His great-great-grandfather Arthur Wood was one of the first superintendents there. 

“I think my great-great-grandfather Arthur would be so happy that I’m talking about his family history,” Reese said.

Reese said he and his family love to visit the park to view wildlife, bird watch and identify different plants and animals, and he hopes to be part of a generation to keep the forest a preserved public land for the future. 

“I really hope that they’ll still be protected by the national forest guard. Wildlife preserves, and I just hope people take good care the forest,” he said.

4-H, a club for kids and teens to develop leadership skills and become productive citizens, chose Reese through an essay contest. Reese’s mother Amanda said her son is a fourth generation member of the 4-H club. 

“His great-grandmother, his grandmother, myself and his aunt have all been in the same 4H club that’s about to turn 100 years old,” she said.

The Capitol tree, otherwise known as the “People’s Tree,” is different from the National Tree. The National Tree also came out of West Virginia, having been timbered at the Monongahela National Forest, and will be lit by the First Family and U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin.

The Capitol tree will be lit by Ethan Reese and is adorned with 5,000 ornaments made by youth and volunteers. 

“Ethan has a great connection to this tree and where it came from,” Amanda Reese said. 

The ceremony for the tree lighting will be at 5 p.m. EST on Nov. 28.

Christmas Tree From Mon National Forest Arrives At U.S. Capitol

The U.S. Capitol Christmas tree, which is the first from West Virginia in more than 40 years, will be lighted after Thanksgiving on the West Lawn, with retiring U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin as the host.

A 63-foot-tall Norway spruce from the Monongahela National Forest arrived at the U.S. Capitol Friday, capping a two-week journey that brought the big tree all over West Virginia.

The U.S. Capitol Christmas tree, which is the first from West Virginia in more than 40 years, will be lighted after Thanksgiving at 5 p.m. on Nov. 28 on the West Lawn, with retiring U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., as the host.

The 8,000-pound spruce was harvested in Randolph County on Nov. 1.

A second, 40-foot Norway spruce from the Monongahela National Forest will serve as the National Christmas Tree at the Ellipse at the White House. That tree came from Tucker County and is the first from West Virginia since 1963.

Steep Valley Fire Near Glen Jean, W.Va. Burns Two Thousand Acres 

The National Park Service said the Steep Valley fire was first reported on Monday, Nov. 6 and is now 78 percent contained. The fire continues to burn minimally in steep and rugged parts of inaccessible terrain. 

The Steep Valley fire has burned more than 2200 acres of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

The National Park Service said the Steep Valley fire was first reported on Monday, Nov. 6 and is now 78 percent contained. The fire continues to burn minimally in steep and rugged parts of inaccessible terrain. 

Hunters and visitors are advised to avoid the War Ridge and Backus Mountain areas near Meadow Bridge in Fayette County.

A helicopter was brought in on Wednesday to perform aerial water drops using water from the New River. On Thursday, crews continued to monitor existing fire lines with strategic controlled burns to burn out pockets of fuel to help strengthen existing lines.

“We appreciate all the dedicated crews and the countless hours they have put in while working the fire. We will continue to monitor the fire and focus on firefighter safety,” said Nate Orsburn, incident commander trainee for the Steep Valley Fire. “We would like to thank the community for their hospitality, support, and patience since the beginning of this challenging fire, it hasn’t gone unnoticed.” 

State Forester and Director of the WV Division of Forestry (WV DOF), Jeremy Jones said the public is asked to refrain from calling local county emergency services centers to make smoke complaints.

“This is an effort to reduce false alarm calls that can pull resources away from local volunteer fire departments,” Jones said. “However, if you see a fire or column of smoke rising from a specific place, please call 911 immediately.”

To date, only one minor injury to a firefighter has been reported. The cause of the Steep Valley fire remains under investigation.

Meanwhile, as of 10 a.m. Thursday morning, 33 firefighters remained on the site of a 100-acre fire just off Forest Road 947 in the Monongahela National Forest in Pocahontas County. They included crews from the Boise National Forest, Tonto National Forest, Modoc National Forest, Klamath National Forest, Nevada Bureau of Land Management, and the Job Corps.

So far this year, West Virginia has experienced 916 fires, burning approximately 11,340 acres. One hundred and fourteen of those fires have happened since Oct. 1.

Monongahela National Forest Public Affairs Officer Kelly Bridges said the drier weather is fanning the flames.

“West Virginia’s having a very dry fall and in the afternoons when it heats up we’re getting down to really low humidities and that’s what can make these fires grow,” she said.

The National Weather Service said it has predicted rain for Friday. 

Fall fire season started Oct. 1 and continues through Dec. 31. The WV DOF reminds residents to make sure all campfires are completely out when leaving an area. For burning guidelines visit West Virginia state fire laws.

For more information and updates on current fire conditions in West Virginia, visit InciWeb or the U.S. Forest Service – Monongahela Forest Facebook page.

2nd Tree Headed To Nation’s Capital From Mon National Forest

U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin’s office said a 40-foot Norway spruce from the Monongahela National Forest will be placed on the Ellipse at the White House.

West Virginia will send a second Christmas tree to the nation’s capital this year.

U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin’s office said a 40-foot Norway spruce from the Monongahela National Forest will be placed on the Ellipse at the White House. 

The previous White House Christmas tree had to be replaced after developing a fungal disease.

Manchin says this is the first time the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service have partnered to bring a tree to the Ellipse.

“These tree lighting celebrations are wonderful traditions that bring our great country together, and West Virginia’s role this year will be absolutely historic,” Manchin said in a statement Wednesday.

A 63-foot Norway spruce is already on its way to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol and scheduled to arrive on Friday. It also comes from the Monongahela National Forest.

That tree will be lit after Thanksgiving, with Manchin as the host. 

A Fraser fir from a tree farm in Jefferson County decorated the White House Blue Room in 2020.

West Virginia Tree, 63 Feet And 8,000 Pounds, Headed To U.S. Capitol

For the first time in more than 40 years, the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree is from West Virginia. It was harvested in the Monongahela National Forest in Randolph County on Nov. 1.

Thousands gathered at the state Capitol Tuesday to see the tree that’s going to the U.S. Capitol for Christmas.

For the first time in more than 40 years, the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree is from West Virginia. It was harvested in the Monongahela National Forest in Randolph County on Nov. 1.

“It’s a Norway Spruce. It came from Laurel Fork Campground in Randolph County,” said Meadow Arbogast, a conservation educator with the U.S. Forest Service. “It’s 63 feet tall and weighs about 8,000 pounds.”

She said the tree comes from a different region every year.

Meadow Arbogast is a conservation educator with the U.S. Forest Service.

“Every year, a different national forest is selected to provide the tree for the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree. It usually goes by region, so there are 10 regions of national forests in the United States, and Region 9 was selected'” she said. “There are a few states in Region 9, but finally, it came back to West Virginia. We’ve done this project two other times, in 1970 and 1976.”

It was 67 degrees in Charleston on Tuesday evening, and Arbogast said it was nothing like that the day the tree was cut down.

“Our harvest day was 19 degrees, and it was snowing,” she said. “So, this is incredibly different than cutting it down!”

Charleston won’t be the last place West Virginians can see the tree, though it is bundled up and loaded on a 100-foot flatbed truck.

“We have quite the journey still,” Arbogast said. “It will be delivered on Nov. 17, and we have more stops to come. I think this is stop No. 5 of our 19-stop tour.”

The tree came to Huntington on Wednesday. Wheeling is next, followed by Morgantown, Davis, Romney and Harpers Ferry. The tree will be lighted on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol after Thanksgiving. 

West Virginia Tour Schedule

  • Thursday, Nov. 9 (Wheeling) 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. White Palace at Wheeling Park
  • Friday, Nov. 10 (Morgantown) 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. 84 Lumber
  • Saturday, Nov. 11 (Morgantown) 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Operation Welcome Home at Mylan Park and 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. WVU, 243 High St.
  • Sunday, Nov. 12 (Upper Tract) 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Swilled Dog/Raymond’s Gymnastic Center
  • Monday, Nov. 13 (Davis) 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. 533 Building
  • Tuesday, Nov. 14 (Romney) 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. WV Schools for the Deaf and the Blind.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 15 (Harpers Ferry) 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Harpers Ferry Job Corps Center
  • Thursday, Nov. 16 (Prince George’s County) 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Joint Base Andrews (Base only)
  • Friday, Nov. 17 Delivery to West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building

W.Va. Tour Schedule Announced For National Christmas Tree

There will be a holiday festival Tuesday at 5 p.m. at the West Virginia Capitol Complex in honor of the national Christmas tree from the Monongahela National Forest. The last time a tree from West Virginia was displayed as the national Christmas tree was 1976.

There will be a holiday festival Tuesday at 5 p.m. at the West Virginia Capitol Complex in honor of the national Christmas tree from the Monongahela National Forest.

The last time a tree from West Virginia was displayed as the national Christmas tree was in 1976.

The State Capitol event will kick off with a parade and will include family-friendly activities showcasing winter offerings from around the state, including ice skating and a light display.

The event is free of charge and open to the public.

“This year, the Christmas tree that will be showcased at the Capitol in Washington D.C. is from right here in our great state,” Gov. Jim Justice said. “We have the most beautiful forests in the country, and I’m so proud to see a piece of our state on display in the nation’s capital. Babydog and I look forward to seeing a huge crowd in Charleston next week as we celebrate this honor and kick off the holiday season!”

The event will begin at 5 p.m. as the tree makes its way west on the Kanawha Boulevard to the Capitol steps, led in by marching bands from Cabell Midland, Capitol, George Washington, Nitro, Poca and Saint Albans High Schools. Vendors from across the state will be set up along the Boulevard with fun programming for families including ice skating, cookie decorating, a letters to Santa station, extravagant light displays, a bonfire to roast s’mores, winter sport giveaways and more. The U.S. Forest Service will be present with a station for attendees to sign the banner for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.

“With such a large portion of our visitors coming from the Washington DC metro area, we are thrilled with yet another opportunity to showcase the beauty of our great state,” Chelsea Ruby, West Virginia Tourism Secretary, said. “And to mark the occasion, we’ve got a great celebration planned in Charleston bringing together folks from around the state to show off our state’s best winter activities.  Don’t miss the never-before opportunity to ice skate in front of the State Capitol and to roast your own s’more on the lawn. We hope you’re able to join us!” 

After the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree stops in Charleston, the tour will continue in other locations in the Mountain State. The initiative is made possible with support from the presenting sponsor, 84 Lumber, and with cash and in-kind contributions from companies large and small, along with vital support from volunteers locally and across America.

Once the tree makes its way to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Washington D.C., the Architect of the Capitol will be decorating the tree with ornaments and tree skirts handmade from West Virginians.

The official tree will be on display to the public in the month of December.

West Virginia Tour Schedule

  • Monday, Nov. 6 (Marlinton) 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Mitchell Chevrolet

  • Tuesday, Nov. 7 (Beckley & Charleston) 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tamarack Marketplace and 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. WV State Capitol Complex

  • Wednesday, Nov. 8 (Huntington) 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Highlawn Elementary School

  • Thursday, Nov. 9 (Wheeling) 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. White Palace at Wheeling Park

  • Friday, Nov. 10 (Morgantown) 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. 84 Lumber

  • Saturday, Nov. 11 (Morgantown) 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Operation Welcome Home at Mylan Park and 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. WVU, 243 High St.

  • Sunday, Nov. 12 (Upper Tract) 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Swilled Dog/Raymond’s Gymnastic Center

  • Monday, Nov. 13 (Davis) 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. 533 Building

  • Tuesday, Nov. 14 (Romney) 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. WV Schools for the Deaf and the Blind.

  • Wednesday, Nov. 15 (Harpers Ferry) 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Harpers Ferry Job Corps Center

  • Thursday, Nov. 16 (Prince George’s County) 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Joint Base Andrews (Base only)

  • Friday, Nov. 17 Delivery to West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington D.C.

In 2020, the Christmas tree in the White House’s Blue Room came from Jefferson County, West Virginia.

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Visit uscapitolchristmastree.com/calendar throughout the tour for most recent schedule updates.

Track the tree’s journey at capitoltreetracker.com.

Follow the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree on Facebook for additional news.

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