A Nevada red fir, named “Silver Belle,” has been selected as the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree for the 2023 holiday season. This marks the first time in the 55-year history of the program that a tree from Nevada has been chosen to represent the nation. The 53-foot-tall and 100-year-old tree will be lit during a ceremony on December 2, 2023, on the West Lawn of the Capitol.
Harvested from the Carson Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, “Silver Belle” was selected for its striking blue-green foliage and robust branches. The tree is situated in a forest that spans 400,000 acres across western Nevada and eastern California, with the tree itself located near Mount Rose at an elevation of approximately 8,000 feet.
Jim Kaufmann, executive director of the Capitol Grounds and Arboretum at the Architect of the Capitol, led the selection process. Initially considering trees from the Spring Mountains near Las Vegas, Kaufmann ultimately chose “Silver Belle” for its exceptional quality. “It was like, ‘There you go. That’s a perfect Christmas tree right there,’” said Mark Amodei, Nevada’s congressional representative for the area, who participated in the selection.
The history of this red fir tree is deeply intertwined with Nevada’s past. Its origins can be traced back to the discovery of the Comstock Lode over 160 years ago, which initiated extensive logging in the region. “They cut everything for Virginia City,” Amodei noted, highlighting the significant impact of logging on Nevada’s forests, many of which are now second-growth trees.
The importance of “Silver Belle” extends beyond its aesthetic appeal. Kacey KC, the Nevada state forester and firewarden, emphasized the collaborative efforts necessary to care for Nevada’s landscapes, stating that partnerships among state, federal, tribal, and local entities have improved forest management. “Thanks to our Shared Stewardship Agreement, these partnerships are stronger than ever,” KC said, underlining their role in wildfire protection.
The red fir, known scientifically as Abies magnifica, is not only a stunning holiday tree but also plays a crucial ecological role. Professor Megan Lahti from Truckee Meadows Community College explained that red firs support various wildlife, offering shelter and food sources for species such as martens, woodpeckers, and bears. However, these trees face threats from climate change, drought, and human encroachment.
As “Silver Belle” makes its journey to Washington, D.C., it will be adorned with 10,000 locally handmade ornaments that reflect the spirit of Nevada. The tree’s first public appearance took place during the Nevada Day celebration on November 1, 2023, before visiting multiple locations across the state.
The lighting ceremony will feature Grady Armstrong, a fourth grader from the Storey County School District, who won an essay contest centered around the theme “Starry Skies to Neon Lights: Spirit of the Silver State.” In a heartfelt moment, Armstrong will read his essay while lighting the tree alongside Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.
As the Capitol Christmas tree illuminates Washington this season, it serves as a reminder of the beauty and significance of Nevada’s public lands. Olivia Tanager, director of the Sierra Club’s Toiyabe Chapter, emphasized the need for ongoing protection of these landscapes. “The light of this tree should remind our leaders that the movement to protect our forests, waters, and open spaces is vast, growing, and unstoppable,” she said.
“Silver Belle” not only represents the holiday spirit but stands as a symbol of Nevada’s rich landscapes and the collaborative efforts to sustain them for future generations.
