2019 State 4-H Forestry Contest

State contact: Dave McGill

Purpose:

The West Virginia State 4-H Forestry Judging Event is an educational contest designed to provide youth with an opportunity to develop skills in critical thinking, leadership, teamwork, evaluation, communications, self-discipline, and decision-making. In this event, forestry team members:

• acquire information about forest ecosystems,
• learn forestry skills used in jobs related to forest management, and
• explore the diverse use of products that come from the forest.

The forestry contest also exposes contestants to:

• basic principles and techniques in judging forest land in relationship to its potential for economic and recreation development, and to
• an appreciation and wise management of West Virginia’s forest resources.

Who:

West Virginia 4-H Members: Contact your Extension Office for specific team composition, entry, state eligibility, etc.

When:

Saturday, May 4, 2019

Where:

Westvaco Natural Resources Center at WVU Forest

Cost:

Counties will be responsible for meals, travel, and any necessary lodging.

Pre-Registration Deadline:

Coaches: please register online.

County Responsibilities:

1. Train 4-H'ers in subject matter.
2. complete online pre-registration by deadline.
3. Agree to help with contest—scoring, group leadership, etc.

Program:

Forestry Judging is an event which gives practical experience in the following:

1. Tree identification
2. Measurement of tree height, diameter, and volume
3. Compass traverse
4. Insect and disease identification
5. Forest evaluation

Awards and Incentives:

1. Appropriate awards are presented.
2. The winning senior team is eligible to represent West Virginia in the national contest.
3. Financial support for the team to attend the national contest is dependent upon the 2019 budget allocation.