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Chippewa National Forest

Photos: Pomp and chainsaws for the cutting of the US Capitol Christmas tree

The tree cutting began by securing lines.
The Capitol Christmas Tree cutting ceremony began with securing lines to the crane.
Matthew McLaughlin / For MPR News

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An 88-feet tall white spruce is on its way to the nation's capital today after a ceremony and cutting on Thursday in northern Minnesota's Chippewa National Forest. Photographer Matthew McLaughlin was there to capture the scene.

• Read the full story here

Gallery
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Prepping it for travel
After the tree was cut, loggers would spend hours preparing the tree for the first leg of its journey, to Bemidji State University, where it will be wrapped for travel to Washington, D.C.
Matthew McLaughlin / For MPR News
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The tree cutting began by securing lines.
The Capitol Christmas Tree cutting ceremony began with securing lines to the crane.
Matthew McLaughlin / For MPR News
2 of 17
Cables are attached to the tree.
Men on the ground keep the basket stable as cables are attached to the tree on Oct. 29.
Matthew McLaughlin / For MPR News