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California Tree Put In National Spotlight

TUOLUMNE COUNTY (KCBS) - The national spotlight will shine on a tree from the Stanislaus National Forest this holiday season as it has been selected as this year's national Christmas tree.

The 65-foot white fir was cut down this weekend at an undisclosed location in Tuolumne County.

"The tree couldn't have come down any better. It's perfect," said U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman Maria Benech.

KCBS' Mark Seelig Reports:

She explains why the tree from California was chosen this year to head to Washington D.C.

"The Capitol Christmas tree has been done by the U.S. Forest Service since 1970. It rotates between the regions," Benech said. "There's nine regions throughout the country. Most regions are multiple states. So this year, the chief of the Forest Service in Washington said, hey California, it's your turn."

She said a lot of planning goes into picking the right tree. In fact, Forest Service officials traveled to Wisconsin last year to view the 2010 tree when it was cut down.

The white fir is in the midst of a seven day tour through California. It is scheduled to arrive in Washington D.C. on November 28 with a lighting ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on December 6.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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