The Christmas tree on display at the State Capitol this year will come from the state’s efforts to reduce wildfires, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
Instead of scouting the forest and tagging a random tree like usual, the department says this tree was already tagged for removal as part of a fuel reduction program in the Coconino National Forest.
According to the department’s website, fuel reduction projects are funded by the state to help reduce the risk of wildfires by clearing diseased vegetation, invasive species, and dense fuel.
The fuel reduction project that found the Christmas tree was a joint partnership between the department, Coconino National Forest, and SRP, according to Tiffany Davila, Public Affairs Officer for the Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
The tree will be decorated and on display at the Arizona State Capitol building in Phoenix throughout the holidays.
