Boston Christmas Tree Suggestions Wanted

Nova Scotians can begin Christmas tree shopping this summer, and help continue a decades old tradition.

People are invited to help choose the province's Christmas tree gift to the city of Boston for the next few years by finding great examples and then telling the Department of Natural Resources.

"The Boston Christmas Tree is a special tradition so we want to plan ahead a few years," said Minister of Natural Resources Charlie Parker. "That's why we're asking Nova Scotians to join the selection process and help us assemble a good list of trees that could become our gift to Boston this Christmas, and in years to come."

In the aftermath of the 1917 Halifax explosion, Boston sent much-needed medical personnel and supplies to help the devastated city cope with the injured. Nova Scotia has been sending Boston a huge Christmas tree every year since 1971 to remember that city's generousity to the province. Boston lights up the Nova Scotia tree before a crowd of thousands in a televised, outdoor ceremony.

"Anyone who has a suitable tree could become part of the Boston Tree tradition and help continue Nova Scotia's annual expression of gratitude to the people of Boston," said Mr.Parker.

For the past 30 years, department officials have annually searched for an ideal tree to be the gift to Boston. Now, they are opening the search to include suggestions from anyone who spots a potential candidate and reports its location or from a property owner who has a suitable tree and would like to donate it.

"We would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone who knows of a suitable Balsam fir, or a white or red spruce, that is 12 to 15 metres tall (40-50 feet), in good health and with good colour, density, symmetry, and easy access to a road," said Tim Whynot, co-ordinator of the project.

The Boston Tree requirements are online at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/christmastrees/bostontree.asp .

People with information or photographs of a suitable Boston Christmas tree may contact Tim Whynot at 902-424-3615 or any local Department of Natural Resources office. A list of office locations is at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/staffdir/offices.asp .