It’s Almost Tree Tracking Time

Oct. 29, 2009
Internet surfers of all ages will soon get the chance to track the 2009 Capitol Christmas Tree as it makes its way from Arizona to the front lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

SkyBitz, a remote asset tracking and information management service provider, will attach a mobile tracking unit to the trailer carrying the 85-foot blue spruce as it crosses the country from Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The device is part of SkyBitz’s GLS asset tracking services. Tracking data, as well as detailed, street-level maps of recent locations, will be accessible to the general public on the company's Web site.

A special link will also be created at www.TrackTheTree.com. It becomes active on Nov. 10 when the tree is scheduled to leave Eagar, Ariz. The Christmas tree will tour the state of Arizona for 10 days and then travel to Amarillo, Texas; Tulsa, Okla.; Branson, Mo.; Nashville, Tenn.; Roanoke, Va.; and Chevy Chase, Md.

On Nov. 30, the tree will arrive in Washington. The lighting ceremony is scheduled for the week of Dec. 7.

Since 1970, Congress has asked a different national forest to provide “the people’s tree” each holiday season.