State of Montana Newsroom
Governor Gianforte Announces Harvest of State Capitol Christmas Tree
Invites Montanans to tree lighting ceremony on Monday, December 2 at 5 p.m.
BOZEMAN, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the harvest of the 2024 State Capitol Christmas tree from Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) state trust lands near Bozeman.
“Each year, it’s a special tradition to harvest a Montana tree from public lands and display it in the State Capitol for all to enjoy at Christmas,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Susan and I are looking forward to joining Montanans in Helena next week to light the tree and kick-off this joyful season.”
Gov. Gianforte harvesting the 2024 State Capitol Christmas tree in Bozeman
The 2024 State Capitol Christmas tree is a Engelmann Spruce and was harvested yesterday in coordination with DNRC, the Montana Logging Association and Mike Duffy Logging.
The DNRC Bozeman Unit provided the permit for the harvest from a parcel of trust land currently in an active forest management project contracted through Mike Duffy Logging.
Cutting of any trees on state trust land requires a permit from the local DNRC field office. The cost is $10 per tree. The governor encourages Montanans to participate in the unique tradition of harvesting Christmas trees from public lands to benefit forest health and resiliency as well as improve wildlife habitat.
The 2024 State Capitol Christmas tree will be decorated in the Capitol next week. The governor and first lady invite Montanans to join them at the Capitol for a tree lighting ceremony on Monday, December 2 at 5 p.m.
To find a local DNRC field office to secure a permit to harvest a Christmas tree, see here.
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