CASS LAKE — This year’s United States Capitol Christmas tree is selected and will be cut from the Chippewa National Forest in Minnesota this fall.

Reports said U.S. Capitol staff and the Washington office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service visited the Chippewa National Forest last month to narrow down the dozens of tree candidates. A second tree was selected as a backup.

Officials looked for a tree of 60 to 80 feet in size, a full pyramid-like shape without gaps, healthy branches, a straight trunk, and a species that can withstand transport to Washington D.C.

The location of the trees will not be disclosed in order to protect them. The cutting ceremony will happen Oct. 29.