Some of the state's top woodland judging students traveled to Nacogdoches recently to compete in the 2015 State Woodland Clinic at the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS) Plant Materials Center.
A total of 63 teams participated in the competition. Seven teams represented 4-H and 56 teams represented various FFA chapters.
"The state woodland clinic continues to provide an excellent opportunity for students across the state to come together and test and develop their forestry skills," said Mary Webb-Marek, NRCS zone forester. "The clinic also provides an opportunity for these students to meet industry professionals and learn about conservation efforts."
Students were tested at four woodland stations in the areas of thinning, regeneration, timber wildlife forage, site management concerns, pine identification, site index, compass and pacing, rate of growth, wood identification, volume, wood products, hardwood identification, and cull tree removal.
Coming in first place for the FFA Team award was Harmony #1 of Big Sandy. The first place 4-H team was Angelina County #1. The high point FFA individual was Jacy Darby of Harmony #1 and the 4-H high point individual was Travis Carrell with Angelina County #1.
The event was sponsored by the Texas Forest Landowners Council and the Texas Forestry Association. Partners also included local Soil and Water Conservation Districts and NRCS.
