Deschutes Land Trust provides community tree

Each year, Deschutes Land Trust (DLT) provides the centerpiece of the Sisters community holiday celebration: a towering fir tree.

This year's tree is a 40-foot grand fir cut at the land trust's 1,200-acre Metolius Preserve near Camp Sherman.

This is the seventh year the land trust has donated a tree for the City of Sisters' display.

"The community Christmas tree has become a real tradition for Sisters and the land trust is happy to help contribute to such a great community event," said DLT's Sarah Mowry.

The tree donation is part of the land trust's work to restore the forests of the Metolius Preserve. Historically, the forests of the preserve were dominated by ponderosa pines. Over time, fire suppression has left the forest overcrowded with grand fir growing in areas where they previously did not grow. To reduce overcrowding and to restore the ponderosa forests, the land trust is working to thin the grand fir trees. 

Brad Chalfant, executive director of the land trust, said "the land trust is pleased to once again partner with the Sisters Chamber on the community tree. We're happy to help our neighbors and share in the joy of the holidays." Chalfant will make brief remarks at the tree lighting on November 23.