Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*
Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol
Already have an account?
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Chippewa National Forest

Photos: Pomp and chainsaws for the cutting of the US Capitol Christmas tree

The tree cutting began by securing lines.
The Capitol Christmas Tree cutting ceremony began with securing lines to the crane.
Matthew McLaughlin / For MPR News

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

An 88-feet tall white spruce is on its way to the nation's capital today after a ceremony and cutting on Thursday in northern Minnesota's Chippewa National Forest. Photographer Matthew McLaughlin was there to capture the scene.

• Read the full story here

Gallery
17 of 17
Prepping it for travel
After the tree was cut, loggers would spend hours preparing the tree for the first leg of its journey, to Bemidji State University, where it will be wrapped for travel to Washington, D.C.
Matthew McLaughlin / For MPR News
1 of 17
The tree cutting began by securing lines.
The Capitol Christmas Tree cutting ceremony began with securing lines to the crane.
Matthew McLaughlin / For MPR News
2 of 17
Cables are attached to the tree.
Men on the ground keep the basket stable as cables are attached to the tree on Oct. 29.
Matthew McLaughlin / For MPR News