Montana Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Set for Monday, Dec 2, at 5pm.

BOZEMAN, Mont. – The 2024 State Capitol Christmas tree is a Blue Spruce and was harvested yesterday incoordination with DNRC, the Montana Logging Association and Mike Duffy Logging. Governor Greg Gianforte was on hand Monday afternoon, as the tree was taken from Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) state trust lands near Bozeman.

In a press release, the Governor said, “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. Susan and I are looking forward to joining Montanans in Helena next week to light the tree and kick-off this joyful season.”

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. To find a local DNRC field office to secure a permit to harvest a Christmas tree, click here.

The 2024 State Capitol Christmas tree will be set up and decorated in the Capitol rotunda. The governor and first lady invite Montanans to join them for a tree lighting ceremony on Monday, December 2 at 5 p.m.