Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association

Our Beginnings...

The Christmas tree industry existed well before the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association (WCTPA) came into existence. In fact, Wisconsin for many years prior to the establishment of the Association produced Christmas trees from natural stands of Balsam, Fir, Spruce, and Pine. With the establishment of large plantations of pine after World War II, a number of people became interested in forming an association for their mutual interests.

On August 6, 1954, the first recorded general meeting was held at Bayfield, Wisconsin. Membership dues were established at $5.00 per year and 73 growers joined the association that first year. The initial objectives for the association were:

• Research on cultural management of trees
• Enforcement of licenses and trespass laws
• Preparation of newsletters, printed matter and tree tags

In 1955, the National Council of Tree Growers, now known as the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) was formed.

Over 50 years, WCTPA grew to over 450 members, holding both a winter convention and a summer convention and field tour. A 4-page newsletter developed into a 48 page journal. Christmas tree buyers across the country come to Wisconsin each year to select quality grown trees from experienced growers to sell in their retail lots.

2004 - Our 50th anniversary year will be celebrated at our summer convention August 6-7 at Central Wisconsin Evergreens at Merrill, Wisconsin. For more information, contact WCTPA at email: [email protected] or call 608-742-8663.