The annual contest introduces students in grades 5 through 12 to basic forestry and resource management. The contest is typically held the second Thursday in May and is sponsored by the Idaho Department of Lands, Bonner Soil and Water Conservation District, U.S. Forest Service, and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). More than 250 volunteers donate their time to run the contest and a record 700 students participated in 2019.

The 40th Forestry Contest will be held the May, 11, 2023 at Farragut State Park.

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2022 Winners

40th Annual

More information will be forthcoming including pre-registration. With the increase in prize money and scholarships we want to give all competitors plenty of time to prepare fully for the contest. If your team would like assistance with contest prep, please reach out to Ken Homik to coordinate at KHomik@idl.idaho.gov.

May 11, 2023

Farragut State Park

A large debt of gratitude goes to the Delay family for their support and commitment to the youth of Idaho and the future of the forestry profession. The Forestry Contest is now at Farragut State Park in the Scott Group Area. In addition, the decision was made to refocus on the mission of the contest to introduce Idaho’s youth to basic skills used by forestry professionals and create an opportunity for these professionals and students to interact in a hands-on environment. This year's lunch break features a job fair for competitors to meet with prospective Natural Resource employers.

Schools and Coaches

Contact Sarah Garcia, Coaches and Participants Coordinator, at (208) 263-5310 x100 or at Sarah.Garcia@id.nacdnet.net

Registration information coming soon!

The annual contest introduces students in grades 5 through 12 to basic forestry and resource management.

Volunteers

In addition to the satisfaction of introducing kids from 5th to 12th grades to Idaho forests and resource management, all volunteers receive complimentary hot drinks, donuts, lunch, special promo gifts, and the opportunity to work with friends and colleagues from all over the state. Many types of skills are needed, not just forestry, so ALL volunteers are welcomed with gratitude! Please register in advance by contacting Hailey Frank at hfrank@idl.idaho.gov.

Contest Manual

Cover
Dedication
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1 – Log Scaling
Chapter 2 – Timber Cruising
Chapter 3 – Tree and Plant Identification
Chapter 4 – Map Reading
Chapter 5 – Compass Reading and Pacing
Chapter 6 – Tool Identification
Chapter 7 – Soils and Water Quality
Chapter 8 – Tree Health
Chapter 9 – Silviculture
Chapter 10 – Noxious Weeds
Appendix

Newsletters and Forms

Forestry Contest April Newsletter 2022

Additional Resources

Portion of the USFS Tree & Plant Identification booklet
Idaho Panhandle Weed Identification & Control Handbook
Idaho’s Noxious Weeds (publication of UI Extension)
Logging Selectively Booklet

Forestry Contest Contacts

Hailey Frank
Volunteer Coordinator
(208) 245-4551 until 3/21/2020
(208) 769-1525
hfrank@idl.idaho.gov

Sarah Garcia
Coaches and Participants Coordinator
(208) 263-5310 x100
Sarah.Garcia@id.nacdnet.net

Michelle Sarratt
General Contest Questions
(208) 666-8607
msarratt@idl.idaho.gov

Robbie Johnson
Media Contact
Public Information Officer
(208) 908-1786
pio@idl.idaho.gov

Additional Contacts

U.S. Forest Service
(208) 263-5111

Bonner Soil & Water Conservation District
(208) 263-5310 ext.100

Natural Resources Conservation Service
(208) 378-5700

To find and contact your closest Idaho Department of Lands office see our Supervisory Area map.

Idaho State Forestry Contest