4-H’ers compete in state forestry judging contest

The senior team from Jay in Delaware County captured first place in the competition. Team members include Lindsey Hobbs, Mike Blevins, Jake Morgan and Emily Lamp. The team is coached by Jeff Orr. The team will represent Oklahoma at the National 4-H Forestry Invitational July 20-24 at Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Camp near Weston, W.V.

The Oklahoma 4-H judging program is designed to encourage and promote awareness and knowledge of forestry as an art and science, said Kevin Allen, assistant professor and Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service specialist for 4-H environmental and natural resources in the department of natural resource ecology and management.

“Through their participation in forestry judging activities, club members and volunteer leaders learn about the complexities and tradeoffs involved in managing a forest for multiple use objectives,” Allen said. “What we try to do with the judging contests is provide an opportunity and atmosphere for 4-H forestry members to develop leadership talents and to work toward achieving character development and effective citizenship.”

In addition, Allen said judging contests also helps club members realize the importance of developing desirable attitudes toward the need and importance of conserving woodlands as a source of income, raw material, wildlife habitat and recreation.

Another benefit is that participants will acquire an understanding of practical forestry skills in forest management and utilization of forest and wood products.

During the contest, teams competed in tree identification, insect and disease identification, compass and pacing course, forest evaluation and a forestry quiz.

“Forestry is practiced primarily in 18 forested counties in eastern Oklahoma. This is the main reason the forestry judging competitions take place in that part of the state,” Allen said.

The National 4-H Forestry Invitational is the national championship of 4-H forestry. Each year since 1980, 4-H forestry judging teams from around the country have gone to Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Conference Center to compete. Jackson’s Mill is the boyhood home of Gen. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Conference Center is the first and oldest 4-H camp in the United States and is operated by West Virginia University.

###

Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
 
Trisha Gedon
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
Oklahoma State University
136 Agriculture North
Stillwater, OK  74078
405-744-3625 (phone)
405-744-5739 (fax)
trisha.gedon@okstate.edu