(Athol, Idaho) Hundreds of students battled to be the best in log measurement, tree and plant identification, and determining timber volume today at the 40th Annual Idaho State Forestry Contest at Farragut State Park in North Idaho. More than 300 students, 95 coaches/chaperones and 150+ volunteers participated.

Media and public: Find high-resolution/broadcast-quality photos and videos from today’s event for download for news coverage and social media.

The contest is for students in grades 5 through 12 to compete for scholarships and cash prizes in 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 and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and hosted by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

Up for grabs: A $1000 scholarship for first place individual and $500 for each member on the winning team, with other cash and scholarship awards for second and third place.

Top winners included: First Place in the Senior Division was Alanna Hinkle with Whistle Stop 4H and First Place in the Rookie Division was Braden Burrows with Selle Valley Carden School. A full list will be posted at the Idaho State Forestry Contest Official Website.

For the Big 40 there was special recognition of contest chairs covering the last four decades, as well as an expanded job fair. The event set the stage for bigger, better contests in the future to help support young foresters and Idaho’s timber industry.

“Looking back 40 years, it’s hard to measure the impact all of these student competitors have had on Idaho as we continue to grow, protect, enjoy and eventually harvest the incredible natural resource that is timber,” said Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller. “We want to thank the countless participants, schools and volunteers over the years for their commitment to this contest.”

CONTACT

Robbie Johnson
Public Information Officer
Idaho State Forestry Contest
Idaho Department of Lands
(208) 908-1786
rjohnson@idl.idaho.gov