Even though we are still many months from Christmas, the season is already on the minds of those around McCall. That's because the next Capitol Christmas tree will come from the Payette National Forest.

It's not unusual to find smokejumpers in the middle of a tree covered mountain just not in the middle of winter or on top of several feet of snow.

But Chris Niccoli and Jared Schuster are on a different type of detail. Because they are tasked with finding a tree which, out here, might seem like finding a needle in a haystack.

"It's not exactly like finding a needle in a haystack. Seems like it's like that though," says Niccoli.

And they're not looking for just any tree. They are hoping to find "the" tree...that will adorn the U.S. Capitol this Christmas.

"It's going to be sitting on the west lawn of the Capitol, there's some pressure with that so hopefully we can find a good tree," said Niccoli.

You'd think someone who has spent 22 years with the U.S. Forest Service would know about good trees.

But Niccoli admits, "Well, I'm not really a tree expert, per se, at all. But um..."

But he has harvested his fair share of Christmas trees over the years. In fact, right from this forest. Niccoli and Schuster are looking for a full tree, any variety, without bugs, or bare spots. And it’s got to be big.

The last time Idaho provided the "People's Tree" was back in 2003 -- the Boise National Forest provided that one.
"60 to 85 feet is the spec," said Niccoli.

It also has to be close to a road so it can be loaded on a 90-foot trailer. "Which is ridiculous long," said Niccoli.

They'll mark about seven different Douglas Firs or Englemann Spruces over the next several months. Even though they won't make the final decision Niccoli and Schuster are glad to carry the weight of what will likely be a once in a lifetime opportunity.

"It's almost like you get out here and look around you feel better about yourself," said Niccoli. "You can tell some people, 'Yeah, I got a couple.'"

The last time Idaho provided the "People's Tree" was back in 2003 -- the Boise National Forest provided that one.

The last time Idaho provided the "People's Tree" was back in 2003.
The White House architect will be in McCall in July to make the final selection out of the seven selected now. You may wonder, why start the search so early?

Well, come summertime the smokejumpers tend to get a little busy fighting fires.