Inside Interior | December 5, 2025

This is Inside Interior. This week, the Department of the Interior helped kick off the holiday season with the annual White House Christmas tree lighting, right here in Washington, D.C. Secretary Burgum spoke at the ceremony to highlight the tradition that has brought Americans together for more than a century. The National Christmas Tree is an enduring symbol of faith, of hope, unity, and also a symbol of the boundless natural beauty that blesses our entire nation. And this year's tree was chosen with care from our national forests. The Department also announced a holiday affordability effort that will help families save money, enjoy public lands, and support wildfire prevention during the 2025-2026 winter season. Beginning this week, the Bureau of Land Management is reducing a range of recreation, firewood, and Christmas tree permit fees through January 31st. This initiative delivers meaningful cost savings for families while promoting forest thinning and hazardous fuel reduction across millions of acres. In addition, the Bureau of Reclamation adopted an updated long-term operation plan for the Central Valley Project. This decision advances actions designed to maximize water deliveries across California while maintaining protections for endangered fish species. Meanwhile, our National Park Service staff, alongside dedicated contractors, have been hard at work cleaning up the reflecting pool and restoring the National Mall to greatness as this administration continues to make D.C. safe and beautiful again. From holiday traditions to affordability, the Department of the Interior is working to ensure American families are thriving this holiday season. That's it for this week's Inside Interior.