The Hunt Is On For Michigan's Official Christmas Tree
LANSING (WWJ) - Hunters track deer. Mushroomers hunt for morels. And this summer, Michiganders are asked to be on the lookout for a classic conifer to serve as the state's official 2016 Christmas tree.
The Michigan's Department of Technology, Management and Budget has officially kicked off hunting season for the tree that will reign over downtown Lansing's holiday festivities.
"This is the perfect time to start searching for Michigan's Christmas tree," DTMB Director David Behen said in a statement. "Families driving to vacations at the lake or in the woods can spend their travel time looking for the perfect tree. Not just any tree can grow up to represent Michigan."
To be considered, the tree needs to meet several criteria. Nominees must be a spruce or fir at least 65 feet tall with a maximum crown of 30 feet and maximum trunk diameter of 30 inches. The tree must be within easy access of a road with no interference from wires. It also has to be available at no cost.
DTMB will work with the Michigan Association of Timbermen and Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association to bring the tree to Lansing. In the last 30 years, trees have come from locations across the state – from the yards of Michiganders to public land near highways and forests. Last year's tree was harvested in Wakefield, just 10 miles east of the Wisconsin border.
Nominations are requested by Aug. 15, 2016. Individuals who wish to nominate a tree are asked to send their name, telephone number, a photograph of the tree and information about its size and location to ChristmasTree@michigan.gov, or by mail to:
Christmas Tree Search
Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget
Building Operations Division
P.O. Box 30026
Lansing, MI 48909
It's official, Michiganders. The hunt is on!