PHOENIX — The San Carlos Apache Tribe has gifted a 40-foot tree to Arizona to serve as the state's official Christmas tree at the Capitol building this holiday season.
The large ponderosa pine tree was cut down last Friday from the Point of Pines area, located northeast of Globe. The tree will be cut to 20 feet when it stands at the Capitol's rotunda, where citizens will be able to look at the decorated tree.
"We know this tree will be used to spread holiday warmth and cheer and it is our hope that it will further serve as a reminder of the natural beauty that exists within our great state and the deep roots the San Carlos Apache have in this region,” San Carlos Apache Tribe Chairman Terry Rambler said in a statement.
Over a third of the San Carlos Apache community's land is forested or wooded.
A tree lighting ceremony at the Capitol is scheduled for Dec. 2.
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