GEORGIA FORESTRY



FORESTRY CDE – JUNIOR DIVISION

GUIDE

Revised 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Introduction 3

Rules can be found on the Rules link.

Individual Activities 4

Tree Identification 4

Timber Stand Improvement and/or Thinning 6

Timber Cruising for Cord Volume 9

Land Measurement 11

Hand Compass Practicum 13

Tree/Forest Disorders 15

Timber Cruising for Bd. Ft. Volume 17

Product Classification 18

Reforestation 20

Forest Management 21

Appendixes 22

A Jr. Forestry CDE Score Sheets 23

Tree Identification 23

TSI and/or Thinning 24

Timber Cruising/Cd Volume 25

Land Measurement 26

Hand Compass Practicum 27

Tree/Forest Disorders 28

Timber Cruising for Bd. Ft. Volume 29

Product Classification 30

Reforestation 31

Forest Management 32

B Equipment List 33

INTRODUCTION

Georgia’s forestry industry creates a multi billion-dollar economic impact in the state annually. There are thousands of jobs created as a result of the abundant forestry resources across the state of Georgia. The Jr. Forestry Career Development Event promotes conservation of and is an asset to the forestry resources in Georgia.

This guide is intended to be a supplement to the Agricultural Education Curriculums in Forestry, Natural Resources and the Environment. It should also serve as an aid in preparing students for the forestry-related CDE’s throughout the state. It is not intended to be a teaching unit or textbook.

The objectives for this publication and the various FFA forestry-related career development events are to aid the teacher in:

1. Teaching students the practical application of natural resources management practices.

2. Motivating students to learn natural resource management through competition and hands-on application.

3. Teaching teamwork through local, area, region, state and national competitions.

4. Teaching decision-making skills through the analysis and synthesis of natural resources characteristics and the application of management techniques.

5. Teaching students about the environmental impact of management decisions and the importance of conservation and sustained yield in our forest industry.

Comments and constructive criticism are welcome. Please contact one of the following Area Forestry Teachers:

Central Region: John Allen Bailey

711 Highway 57 West

Swainsboro, GA 30401

478/289-2552

North Region: Jerry Taylor

201 Four Towers

University of Georgia

Athens, GA 30602

706/552-4465

South Region: Danny Bartlett

ABAC 34, 2802 Moore Highway

Tifton, GA 31794

229/386-3198

1. TREE IDENTIFICATION

A. Definition and purpose

1) Definition – The scientific study of trees is known as dendrology. Tree identification is but a small part of dendrology, and is the recognition and naming of trees from standing trees, freshly cut foliage, herbarium sheets with pressed foliage, photographs, limbs, fruit, nuts, cones, bark, products or any other tree parts.

2) Purpose – The purpose of this activity is to stimulate student interest and to promote conservation of our natural resources by increasing knowledge and expertise in identifying trees.

B. Factors to consider

1) An area should be selected so that the specimens will not be disturbed by the participants before the competition begins. Protection from full sunlight will help preserve the specimens for the contest. Samples often have to be stapled or taped to prevent their disturbance from the wind.

2) Standing trees may be used in the competition, if available.

3) Specimens should be collected that are typical of the species.

4) Limbs with sprays instead of leaves only should be used.

5) Cones and fruits should be used with the specimens, if available.

6) Specimens may be duplicated, if necessary.

7) As stated in the definition, specimens may be standing trees, freshly cut foliage, herbarium sheets with pressed foliage, photographs, limbs, fruits, nuts, cones, bark, products or any other tree part.

C. Scoring

1) A list containing the species will be provided for each participant. The

Participant will have to write the letter that corresponds with correct name of the tree.

1) Each specimen will be weighted equally, and the total converted to a 100-point basis. A convenient way to convert to a 100-point basis is to divide the number identified correctly by the total number of specimens. This will give the percentage of 100 percent that are correct.

2) Tiebreakers – Tiebreakers will be additional specimens from the official list. Oral questions may be used, if necessary. Tiebreakers should be designated before the activity begins.

D. Common mistakes

1) Incorrect species

2) Identification using only one characteristic

3) Not counting needle fascicles on pines

4) Confusion of different oak species

2. TIMBER STAND IMPROVEMENT AND/OR THINNING

A. Definition and purpose

1) Definition - Timber stand improvement cuttings and thinnings are types of intermediate cuttings. Intermediate cuttings are the various cuttings made during development from the reproduction stage to maturity. They have as their object the improvement of the existing stand, regulation of growth, and provision for early financial returns, without any effort directed at regeneration.

Timber stand improvement cuttings are usually made in stands past the sapling stage for the purpose of improving composition and quality by removing trees of undesirable species, form or condition. It should be noted that improvement cuttings may be simultaneously combined with thinnings and reproduction cuttings. The trees designated for elimination in improvement cuttings may either be harvested or killed and left standing.

Thinnings are cuttings made in immature stands in order to stimulate the growth of the trees that remain and to increase the total yield of useful material from the stand. The direct objective of thinning is the regulation of the distribution of growing space for the advantage of the existing crop, and its objective is not the creation of vacancies for the establishment of a new crop.

For explanation purposes, a reproduction method is a procedure by which a stand is established or renewed by artificial or natural reproduction. Reproduction or harvest cuttings are covered in the Forest Management Activity.

2) Purpose - The purpose of this activity is to stimulate student interest and to promote conservation for our natural resources by increasing knowledge and expertise in the stewardship of our forests.

B. Factors to consider

1) Select a stand for this activity that needs thinning or timber stand improvement. The stand selected may be all of one or a mixture of species. Stands that have been recently thinned or improved should not be used.

2) The stand should contain at least 20 trees which can be marked with a number from 1-20.

3) All marked trees in the selected area will be considered a forest management site, and the participants will decide the disposition of each marked tree.

4) The participants will be given a “situation” concerning the forest management objectives of the stand selected. The information that will be needed to help participants in their decisions will include:

a. Markets available (including hardwood)

b. Wildlife and/or aesthetics considerations

c. Present condition of the stand

d. Final goal of the management plan

5) Participants will decide whether to (Harvest, Leave or Deaden) each marked tree by writing the appropriate action in the blanks. Participants will also give a reason why each tree was harvested, left or deadened from the following list:

a. Future crop tree – These trees should be (Leave) trees to be harvested at some time in the future.

b. Non-merchantable – These trees have no value for forest products and should be (Deadened).

c. Wildlife/aesthetics – These are trees that should be (Leave) trees for wildlife and aesthetics purposes if this is a part of the management objective.

d. Insect infestation – These trees should be (Harvested) if they are merchantable and only if the insects are active.

e. Disease – These trees should be (Harvested) if the disease may kill the tree before another cutting is scheduled. It also should be (Harvested) if it will prevent the further spread of the disease. Every tree exhibiting disease symptoms may not have to be removed. This is generally determined by the percent infection in the stand, where the disease is located on the tree, species of trees in the stand, age of the stand and management objective. A general rule of thumb concerning cankers is that the tree should be (Harvested) if the canker covers more than 50% of the circumference of the tree.

f. Lack of vigor and/or growth, suppressed and/or restricted crown or spacing – Lack of vigor and/or growth is indicated by poor crown color, shorter than normal needles or generally poor tree condition and form. Suppressed and/or restricted crown indicates that the tree is overtopped and/or the crown is severely restricted from lateral growth resulting in restricted crown development. Spacing simply means that the trees are located too close together to allow for proper growth resulting in direct competition for light and nutrients. Look at the crowns to determine if the trees are spaced too close. All of these trees should be (Harvested).

g. Crooked, forked, malformed or leaning – These reasons are often misused by participants being too critical of forest stands. A tree should be severely crooked before it is (Harvested) solely for that reason. All forked trees should not be (Harvested). Forks located high in the crown usually do not interfere with a tree’s merchantability or survivability. If the fork is located on the main stem or bole, it probably should be (Harvested). Malformed trees may be (Harvested) if the tree is disfigured or will otherwise never grow into a quality forest product. A leaning tree should only be (Harvested) if the survivability or damage to other trees is in question.

h. Other – Examples of other reasons to (Harvest) a tree are lightning strikes, wind damage or mechanical damage. There may be other reasons not listed for trees to be (Harvested). If there is a question as to the survivability of the tree until the next scheduled cutting, the tree should be (Harvested).

6) More than one reason may be used if the judge determines that two or more reasons are of equal importance.

7) Participants tend to remove too many trees in this activity. There are no perfect trees, and small defects usually do not affect the merchantability or survivability of trees. Look for reasons to leave trees instead of reasons to remove them.

C. Scoring

1) Each one of the 20 numbered trees for a total of 100 points. The points are distributed as follows:

a. Incorrect (Harvest, Leave or Deaden) trees will result in a deduction of 3 points.

b. Incorrect reasons will result in a deduction of 2 points.

2) Tiebreakers – Seed, crop or wildlife/aesthetics trees are only used as tiebreakers. The judge should instruct the participants to choose the 3 best seed trees, the 3 best crop trees or the 3 best wildlife/aesthetics trees. The number of correct (Harvest, Leave or Deaden) trees, the number of correct reasons and the first contestant to miss a selection or reason should be used next. Oral questions may be used, if necessary, to break a tie.

D. Common mistakes

1) Removing too many trees

2) Trees not being examined from the bottom to the top

3) Mechanical injuries misdiagnosed as diseases

3. TIMBER CRUISING FOR CORD VOLUME

A. Definition and purpose

1) Definition – Timber cruising is a survey of forest lands to locate and estimate volumes of standing timber or stumpage.

2) Purpose – The purpose of this activity is to stimulate student interest and to promote conservation of our natural resources by increasing knowledge and expertise in measuring forest products.

B. Factors to consider

1) Select trees (10) for this activity that are free from defects such as scars and cankers at diameter at breast height (dbh).

2) Trees selected should be listed on the volume table provided on the score sheet (dbh 6”-22” & height 40’-95’).

3) Tree diameters are rounded to the nearest inch, and trees should not be chosen with diameters that are very close to the half-inch mark. The diameter of the tree may actually seem to decrease as the bark is worn due to the measurement process by several participants, thus causing the latter participants to be at a disadvantage.

4) Heights are measured from ground level to the top of the terminal bud. Heights are rounded down to the nearest 5-foot increment.

C. Scoring

1) The total points (100) for this activity are distributed as follows:

a. Three (3) points are allowed for each correct diameter.

b. Three (3) points are allowed for each correct height.

c. Thirty-five (35) points are allowed for the correct volume in cords. One (1) point will be deducted for each 1 percent plus or minus from the correct measured volume in cords.

d. Five (5) points are allowed for the correct tonnage. One (1) point will be deducted for each 5 percent plus or minus from the correct calculated tonnage.

2) Tiebreakers – Ties should be broken by total tons, most correct diameters or the most correct heights, in that order. Oral questions may be used, if necessary, to break a tie.

D. Common mistakes

1) Measurement of dbh not at 41/2 feet

2) Diameters not being rounded to nearest inch

3) Heights not being rounded down to the nearest 5-foot increment

4) Top of terminal bud not used for height measurement

5) Misreading volume table

6) Mathematical errors

4. LAND MEASUREMENT

A. Definition and purpose

1) Definition - Land measurement for this activity is defined as the measurement of horizontal distance by pacing and the measurement of direction with a hand compass to determine the acreage of a tract of land.

2) Purpose - The purpose of this activity is to stimulate student interest and to promote conservation of our natural resources by increasing knowledge and competence in land measurement.

B. Factors to consider

1) An area of undetermined acreage will be selected and the corners will be delineated by at least three, but no more than six corners.

2) Select an area for this activity that is forested, if available, but open enough so that the corners may be clearly seen. It is not necessary that all corners be seen from each station, but the participants should be able to see the next numerical corner from each corner.

3) The corners should be marked with highly visible stakes that are numbered in a clockwise direction. Flagging tape is recommended to make the corners more visible.

4) A staff compass or some other highly accurate instrument should be used to establish each bearing for this activity. A steel tape or some other highly accurate instrument should also be used to establish each distance. The same instruments that are used establish the land measurement activity should be used to establish a North-South practice line of 100 feet to allow the participants to check their pace and compass.

5) Magnetic bearings are used and zero declination should be set on the hand compasses. The acreage should be expressed to the nearest .001 acres.

6) Directions should be expressed as bearings and distances should be recorded to the nearest foot.

C. Scoring

1) Participants shall be deducted one (1) point from ninety (90) points for each .01 acre deviation from the correct acreage.

2) Ten (10) points shall be allowed for the map drawing. Graph paper will be provided for the participants. All computations must be shown on the back of the graph paper. The points will be distributed as follows:

a. Two (2) points North orientation

b. Two (2) points Drawing map to scale

c. Two (2) points Labeling lines with distances and bearings

d. Two (2) points Closure

e. Two (2) points Neatness and accuracy

3) Tiebreakers – Ties should be broken on the acreage carried out to the nearest .001 of an acre. Oral questions may be used, if necessary.

D. Common mistakes

1) No allowance for slope in pacing

2) Pacing factor not accurate

3) Reading wrong arrow on compass

4) Reading wrong quadrant on compass

5) Holding compass so that it is not level

6) Holding compass near metal objects

7) Declination not set at zero

8) Not drawing map to scale

9) Mathematical errors in calculating acreage

5. HAND COMPASS PRACTICUM

A. Definition and purpose

1) Definition - A hand compass practicum for this activity is defined as an exercise to measure the horizontal distance by pacing and the direction (bearing) with a hand compass of four designated lines.

2) Purpose – The purpose of this activity is to stimulate student interest and to promote conservation of our natural resources by increasing knowledge and competence in measuring direction and distance.

B. Factors to consider

1) A forested area should be selected, if available, with three to six marked starting and ending points designated by numbers and different colored flagging. The four starting points should be located close together.

2) Participants will use a bearing type hand compass and pacing to the nearest foot to determine the bearings and distances of four designated lines. Azimuth compasses will not be allowed. The judges will be instructed to check for illegal compasses.

3) The end stakes should be located so that the distances and bearings are varied. It is suggested that there should be one bearing in each quadrant.

4) A staff compass or some other highly accurate instrument should be used to establish each bearing for this activity. A steel tape or some other highly accurate instrument should also be used to establish each distance. The same instruments that are used to establish the hand compass practicum should be used to establish a North-South practice line of 100 feet to allow the participants to check their pace and compass.

5) Magnetic bearings are used and zero declination should be set on the hand compasses.

6) Direction should be expressed as bearings and distances should be expressed to the nearest foot. Bearing should be referenced to either north or south and then referenced to either east or west in terms of the number of degrees variation from either north or south. Example: N75E

C. Scoring

1) A minimum of four stations will be allowed twenty-four (24) points each for the distance and bearing. One (1) point at each station will be allowed for correctly converting the participant’s bearing to an azimuth.

2) Plus or minus one degree deviation will be allowed on the bearing. One (1) point will be deducted for each one (1) degree deviation from the adjusted correct bearing and one (1) point will also be deducted for each foot deviation from the correct distance.

3) No more than twenty-four (24) points may be deducted from each station for the bearing and distance. Specifically, only twelve (12) points may be deducted from either the bearing or distance. In addition, only one (1) point may be deducted from each station for the calculated azimuth.

4) Tiebreakers – Ties should be broken on bearings, distances and azimuths in that order. Oral questions may be used, if necessary, to break a tie.

D. Common mistakes

1) No allowance for slope in pacing

2) Pacing factor not accurate

3) Reading wrong arrow on compass

4) Reading wrong quadrant on compass

5) Holding compass so that it is not level

6) Holding compass near metal objects

7) Declination not set at zero

8) Mathematical errors in calculating azimuth

6. TREE/FOREST DISORDERS

A. Definition and purpose

1) Definition – Tree/forest disorders are most often defined to be forest pests such as insects and diseases. Disorders may also be caused by weather, domestic animals, wildlife and humans. Air pollutants cause extensive damage to forests in some areas and generally contribute to national declines in forest health.

2) Purpose – The purpose of this activity is to stimulate student interest and to promote conservation of our natural resources by increasing knowledge and expertise in the identification and treatment of tree and forest disorders.

B. Factors to consider

1) Samples of at least ten (10), and no more than twenty (20) disorders from the official list should be displayed for the participants to identify.

2) An area should be selected so that the specimens will not be disturbed by the participants before the competition begins.

3) The use of actual insects, diseases, damages, symptoms and other disorders should be used when available. Photographs or other printed material may be used when actual specimens are not available.

C. Scoring

1) A list containing the tree species will be provided for each participant. The participant will write the letter that corresponds with the correct disorder.

2) Each specimen will be weighted equally, and the total converted to a 100-point basis. A convenient way to convert to a 100-point basis is to divide the number identified correctly by the total number of specimens. This will give the percentage of 100 that are correct. The number of specimens that are misspelled should be divided by the total number of specimens. This number should be divided by 2 and subtracted form the previous percentage for the total score.

3) Tiebreakers – Tiebreakers will be additional specimens from the official list. Oral questions may be used, if necessary. Tiebreakers may be designated before the activity begins.

D. Common mistakes

1) Misidentification

2) Identification using only one characteristic

3) Confusion of the bark beetles

7. TIMBER CRUISING FOR BOARD FOOT VOLUME

A. Definition and purpose

1) Definition – Timber cruising is a survey of forest lands to locate and estimate volumes of standing timber or stumpage. A board foot is a unit of measurement for lumber equal to a piece of wood 1’ long x 12” wide x 1” thick.

2) Purpose – The purpose of this activity is to stimulate student interest and to promote conservation and sustained yield in the forest industry by increasing knowledge and expertise in measuring forest products.

B. Factors to consider

1) Select trees (10) for this activity that are free from defects such as scars and cankers at diameter at breast height (dbh).

2) Trees selected should be listed on the volume table provided on the score sheet (dbh 10”-30” & heights of 1½ - 5 logs).

3) Tree diameters are rounded to the nearest inch, and trees should not be chosen with diameters that are very close to the half-inch mark. The diameter of the tree may actually seem to decrease as the bark is worn due to the measurement process by several participants, thus causing the latter participants to be at a disadvantage.

4) Tree heights should be measured from a 6-inch stump height to an estimated 8-inch diameter cut off for the merchantable height. The merchantable height should be rounded down to the nearest eight feet or ½ log. All tree defects, except for forks, should be disregarded to determine the height.

5) Form class is the taper of a tree expressed as the percentage ratio between the dob (diameter outside bark) at dbh of a tree and the dib (diameter inside bark) at the top of the first 16 foot log. The volume of a tree can vary considerably for trees of the same dbh and height due to this taper. Each participant will be required to calculate the form class of one designated tree. The upper dib at the top of the first 16 foot log will be provided to the participant. The form class is calculated by dividing the given upper dib by the measured dbh, and should be expressed as a whole number.

Example: dib at the top of the first 16 foot log is 9.4 inches and

dbh is 12 inches

9.4 divided by 12 = .783 rounded to .78

.78 (must be expressed as a whole number)

Form Class = 78

6) Each participant will be required to convert the board foot volume obtained from the provided volume table to board feet per acre. The acreage cruised will be provided to the participant by the judge. The multiplying factor will be calculated by dividing one (1) acre by the acreage cruised, and the multiplying factor should be multiplied by the volume measured in the ten (10) sample trees.

7) Each participant will also be required to convert the board foot volume per acre to ton per acre. The weight factor will be provided by the judge.

C. Scoring

1) The total points (100) for this activity are distributed as follows:

a. Three (3) points are allowed for each diameter.

b. Three (3) points are allowed for each height.

c. Five (5) points are allowed for the correct form class.

d. Thirty (30) points are allowed for the correct board foot volume per acre. One (1) point will be deducted for each 1 percent plus or minus from the correct board foot volume per acre.

e. Five (5) points are allowed for the correct tonnage per acre. One (1) point will be deducted for each 5 percent plus or minus from the correct calculated tonnage.

2) Tiebreakers – Ties should be broken by total tons, most correct diameters or the most correct heights, in that order. Oral questions may be used, if necessary.

D. Common mistakes

1) Measurement of dbh not at 4 ½ feet

2) Diameters not being rounded to nearest inch

3) Heights not being rounded down to the nearest 8 feet or ½ log

4) Inaccuracy of 8 inches top diameter

5) Misreading volume table

6) Mathematical errors

7) Leaving form class as a decimal number

8. PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION

A. Definition and purpose

1) Definition – Product Classification can be defined as the estimation of the tree’s product by estimating the diameters without the use of instruments.

2) Purpose – The purpose of this activity is to stimulate student interest and to promote conservation and sustained yield in the forest industry by increasing knowledge and competence in selecting product types.

B. Factors to consider

1) Select trees (10) for this activity that are free from defects such as scars and cankers at diameter at breast height (dbh).

2) Trees should be selected from each product class listed below, if available:

a. Pulpwood Minimum 6” dbh

b. Chip-N-Saw Minimum 9” dbh to 12” dbh maximum with at least 1½

clear logs (24 feet)

c. Sawtimber Minimum 13” dbh with at least 1½ clear logs (24 feet)

d. Any tree from which 1½ clear logs, or 24 feet of clear logs cannot be cut will be classified as pulpwood. “Clear” is defined as being free of deforming limbs, forks, major sweeps and cankers. A “deforming limb” is described as a limb being at least 1/3 diameter of the tree at the attachment point. A cluster of smaller limbs my also be defined as “deforming.” The clear section, of at least 1½ logs or 24 feet, may be located in any portion of the tree.

3) Since tree diameters are rounded to the nearest inch, trees should not be selected when the diameters are very close to the half-inch mark, which would make it very difficult for the participants to make an accurate estimation.

C. Scoring

1) The total point (100) for this activity are distributed as follows:

a. Ten (10) points for each correct product classification.

2) Tiebreakers –Oral questions may be used, if necessary.

D. Common mistakes

(1) Estimation of dbh not at 4 ½ feet

(2) Looking at tree from only one side

9. REFORESTATION

A. Definition and purpose

1) Definition – Reforestation is the natural or artificial restocking of an area with forest trees; most commonly used in reference to the latter.

2) Purpose – The purpose of this activity is to stimulate student interest and to promote conservation and sustained yield in the forest industry by increasing knowledge and expertise in regenerating our forests.

B. Factors to consider

1) Select an area that is firm, but soft enough for planting bars to penetrate to the required depth. Irrigation may be necessary to soften the soil.

2) Seedlings should be left in the bags, bales or boxes near the competition area. Participants should select the required number of seedlings from the shipping container. The seedlings should not be heeled-in.

3) Select an area that is large enough to prevent the participants from planting in the same holes.

4) It is suggested that 2 rows of 5 seedlings be planted. All teams should use the same spacing.

5) Time should start when the first seedling hole is made and end when the last planting hole is closed.

6) Participants should make a normal pace or step to determine the spacing between the seedlings and the rows. Heel to toe or “baby steps” or any other measuring device will result in a zero score for the planting portion of the event. “Baby steps” is defined as taking more than one step heel to toe. The contestant can start with a “baby step” or end with a “baby step,” but cannot do both.

7) A contestant may use an object (rock, tape measure, pine cone, etc.) to mark his/her first tree planting site and remove it when planting his/her final tree.

8) In addition to the seedlings, the judges should have at their disposal a stop watch and measuring device.

C. Scoring

1) Planting factors (60 points or 10 points each)

a. Removing seedlings from the bag, bale or box – Participants should carefully remove the required number of seedlings from the shipping container. Do not allow the roots to be exposed to the sun or wind any longer than five minutes. Sort and cull the seedlings and immediately place in the protective container.

b. Provisions for keeping roots moist – Participants should have a bucket or planting bag with some type of damp material such as sawdust, moss, mud, gel or potting soil deep enough to cover the roots of the seedlings.

c. Placement of seedlings into holes – Seedlings should be kept in the bucket or bag with the roots covered until the planting hole is made. The seedling roots should be pushed deep into the planting hole. The seedling should be pulled back up to the correct planting depth (the root collar should be 1-3 inches below the soil surface). The seedling should be gently shaken to allow the roots to straighten out. The seedling should not be twisted or spun and the roots should not be j-rooted.

d. Depth of planting – After the seedling is pushed deep into the planting hole, it should be pulled back so that the root collar is 1-3 inches below the soil surface.

e. Follow proper procedure for planting containerized seedlings if used.

f. Closure of planting hole – The planting hole should be closed by inserting the planting bar several inches in front of the seedling and pushing the blade halfway into the soil. Twist and push the handle forward to close the top of the slit to hold the seedling in place. Push the dibble down to the full depth of the blade and pull back on the handle to close the bottom of the planting hole. Then push forward to close the top, eliminating air pockets around the root. Remove the planting bar and close and firm up the opening with your heel. Be careful to avoid damaging the seedling .

g. Straightness of planted seedlings – The seedlings should be straight in the rows and should not exceed 30 degrees from the perpendicular.

2) Spacing (40 points) – The judges should take 10 measurements in the drill and between the rows and allow the contestants 4 points for each seedling that is within 3 inches of where it should be planted. This can be 3 inches under or over the correct foot mark.

3) Time deduction – Minus 1 point per minute and ¼ point per 15 seconds after 5 minutes.

4) Tiebreakers - Ties shall be broken using the time deduction and oral questions, if necessary.

D. Common mistakes

1) Incorrect planting depth

2) Incorrect spacing

3) Not closing planting hole

10. FOREST MANAGEMENT

A. Definition and purpose

1) Definition – Forest management is the application of business methods and technical forestry principles to the operation of a forest property.

2) Purpose – The purpose of this activity is to stimulate student interest and to promote conservation and sustained yield in the forest industry by increasing knowledge and expertise in forest management.

B. Factors to consider

1) The stand selected for this activity may be all pine or mostly pine with some hardwoods present.

2) A sampling point will be selected and identified with a flagged staff. Avoid dense brush and thick stands when selecting a site for this activity. Only the area within the radius measured from the sampling point to the limiting distance of the most distant tally tree should be considered for this activity.

3) List the species of pine present. All merchantable pine species within the management area should be identified.

NOTE: In the Forest Management Event, “merchantable” is defined as trees having a DBH of 6” or more.

4) Determine the present basal area of merchantable pine trees per acre on the management area with a 10-factor prism or other type of angle gauge. Borderline trees may be checked with the following limiting distance formula:

Note: A limiting distance chart cannot be used in the management event.

Limiting distance (feet) = dbh (nearest .1 inch) x 2.75 (radius factor)

Example: Given a borderline tree with a dbh of 13.6 inches.

Limiting distance = 13.6” x 2.75 = 37.4 feet

If this tree is more than 37.4 feet from the sampling point, it is out

and if it is less than 37.4 feet from the sampling point, it is in and

counted as a tally tree.

Example: Given an area with 12 tally trees

Basal area = # tally trees x 10

= 12 (tally trees) x 10 = 120 sq. ft./acre

5) Determine the volume per acre in cords and tons using the following formulas:

Cords/acre = (# tally trees) x (avg. total height)

20 x (# sampling points)

Example = cords/acre = 12 (tally trees) x 91 (avg. total height)

20 x 1 (sampling points)

= 54.6 cords/acre

Example = Tons/acre = (# of cords) x (given weight factor)

2,000 lbs/ton

= 54.6 cds/acre x 5,500 lbs/cd

2,000 lbs/ton

= 150.15 tons/acre

C. Scoring

1) This activity is 100 points as follows:

a. Tree species present (20 points) – All tallied pine species should be listed. Partial credit is allowed based on the number of correct species.

b. Basal area per acre (50 points) – The current basal area per acre of merchantable pine trees should be determined. Partial credit is allowed based on a five (5) point deduction per ten (10) square feet of basal area per acre deviation from the correct answer.

c. Volume per acre (30 points) – The current volume per acre should be determined from the tally trees using the supplied formula that requires the measurement of the total tree heights. Total tree heights should be measured and rounded down to the nearest foot, and the actual average height mathematically rounded to the nearest foot should be used in the formula. Partial credit is allowed based on a deduction of one (1) point for every one (1) ton deviation from the correct tonnage.

2) Tiebreakers – Ties should be broken using the volume in cords and tons. Oral questions may be used, if necessary.

D. Common mistakes

1) Misidentifying pine species

2) Miscounting tally trees

3) Not adequately checking borderline trees

4) Mathematical errors

APPENDIXES

Appendix Page

A Jr. Natural Resources CDE Score Sheets 23

Tree Identification 23

TSI and/or Thinning 24

Timber Cruising/Cd. Vol. 25

Land Measurement 26

Hand Compass Practicum 27

Tree/Forest Disorders 28

Timber Cruisning/Bd. Ft. Volume 29

Product Classification 30

Reforestation 31

Forest Management 32

B Equipment List 33

|Junior Tree Identification |  |Score_________________ | |

| | |

| | | | |

| | | | | | | | | |

| | | | | | | |Rank _____________ |

| | | | | | | | | |

|Name _______________________________ | |School ___________________________ |

| | | | | | | | | |

|MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE _________________________________________________________ |

|__________________________________________________________________________________ |

|__________________________________________________________________________________ |

| | | | | | | | | |

|Participants will decide whether to (Harvest, Leave or Deaden) each marked tree by writing the |

|appropriate action in the blanks. Participants will also give a reason why each tree was harvested, |

|left or deadened from the following list. Should two reasons be applicable, give both. |

| A. Future Crop Tree | | | | | | |

| B. Non-merchantable | | | | | | |

| C. Wildlife/aesthetics | | | | | | |

| D. Insect Infestation | | | | | | |

| E. Disease | | | | | | | |

| F. Lack of vigor or growth, suppressed or restricted crown or spacing | | |

| G. Crooked, forked, malformed or leaning | | | | |

| H. Other | | | | | | | |

| | | | | | | | | |

|Tree Number |Harvest/Leave |  |Reason |  |  |  |  |

| |or Deaden | | | | | | |

| | | | | | | | | |

|1. | |  | |  | | | | |

|2. | |  | |  | | | | |

|3. | |  | |  | |Judges Scoring Space |

|4. | |  | |  | |  | |  |

|5. | |  | |  | |# Incorrect Harvest/ |  |

|6. | |  | |  | |Leave or Deaden |  |

|7. | |  | |  | | trees x 3 points = |  |

|8. | |  | |  | |  | |  |

|9. | |  | |  | |# Incorrect Reasons |

|10. | |  | |  | | x 2 points = |  |

|11. | |  | |  | |  | |  |

|12. | |  | |  | |Total Deductions |  |

|13. | |  | |  | |  | |  |

|14. | |  | |  | |Total Score = 100 pts |

|15. | |  | |  | |Minus Deductions |  |

|16. | |  | |  | |  |  |  |

|17. | |  | |  | | | | |

|18. | |  | |  | |Seed, crop or wildlife/aesthetics |

|19. | |  | |  | |trees will be used for tie breakers |

|20. | |  | |  | | | | |

| | | | | | | | | |

|Identify the three best seed, crop or wildlife/aesthetics trees. |______ |______ |______ |

[pic]

LAND MEASUREMENT Score ________

Name _______________ School _______________________ Rank _________

A. Sketch the area on graph paper provided.

B. Show measurements and bearings on sketch.

C. Calculate the acreage to the nearest 1/1000 acre (.001).

D. Show all computations on the back of the graph paper.

E. Be able to explain your procedure for calculating the area to judge.

F. Minus 1 point for each deviation of 1/100 (.01) of an acre.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bearings 1. ____________________ 4. ____________________

and 2. ____________________ 5. ____________________

Distances 3. ____________________ 6. ____________________

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Acres to the nearest 1/1000 (.001) ________________

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 JUDGES SCORING SPACE

Correct acreage ______________

Contestant’s acreage ______________

Deviation ______________

Point deduction ________________

(1 point per .01 deviation)

Acreage score ________________

(90 – point deduction)

Drawing Score (10 point max.) + ________________

(*Two points each for North orientation, scale,

labeling lines with distances and bearings,

closure and neatness and accuracy)

TOTAL SCORE = ________________

HAND COMPASS PRACTICUM

Name________________________ School___________________

| | |  |

| |should be expressed using quadrants and degree(s), and distances should be expressed to the nearest foot. | | |

| | | |

| |from any individual station for the bearings and distances. Specifically, only twelve (12) points may be deducted from | |

| |either the bearing or distance. No more than 1 point can be deducted for the azimuth at each station. | | |

| | | | | |

| | | |

|1 | | |

|2 | | |

|3 | | |

|4 | | |

|5 | | |

|6 | | |

|7 | | |

|8 | | |

|9 | | |

|10 | | |

JUDGES SCORING SPACE

.

REFORESTATION

Name_________________________________ Score __________

School _______________________________ Rank ___________

Planting Factors (10 points each) Points Awarded

1. Removing seedlings from bag, bale or box ` ______

2. Provisions for keeping roots moist ______

3. Placement of seedlings into holes ______

4. Depth of planting ______

5. Closure of planting hole ______

6. Straightness of planted seedlings ______

*Spacing (40 points) ______

Trees should be planted on a ________ X ________ spacing.

Subtotal ______

**Time Deduction

Actual Planting time in minutes _______ & seconds _______ ______

(Minus 1 point per minute and ¼ point per 15 seconds after 5 minutes)

Total Score ______

*It is suggested that two (2) rows of five (5) seedlings be planted. Judges should take ten (10) measurements in the drill and between the rows and allow the contestants four (4) points for each seedling that is within three (3) inches of where it should be planted.

**Time should begin when the contestant makes his/her first planting hole and end when the last planting hole is closed.

Equipment needed by judges: Measuring sticks

Stop Watch

Seedlings

FOREST MANAGEMENT Score ___________

Name _____________________________________ School ___________________________________ Rank _______

Consider only the area within the radius measured from the sampling point to the most distant tally tree.

___________

Weight factor

1. List the species of tally trees (pines). ________________________________________________________

2. Basal area per acre ___________

Sq. ft./acre

Limiting distance = Diameter (inches & tenths) x 2.75

3. Volume ___________

Tons/acre

Cords per acre = (# of tally trees) x (average total height) = __________

20 x (# of sampling points) Cords/acre

Tons per acre = (# of cords) x (weight factor) =

2000

APPENDIX B

Equipment List for Forestry Related Career Development Events

The following list of equipment is recommended for use in any of the Forestry-related CDE’s. Any standard type of measuring equipment will be allowed with exceptions as follows: staff compasses, relascopes, wheeler pentaprism calipers, laser rangefinders, computers, GPS instruments (may be used in Environmental/Natural Resources CDE) and azimuth compasses. In no way will a student be penalized for not using the equipment listed. This list is included only as a guide for the instructor in obtaining the necessary equipment.

________________________________________________________________

Quantity Item

________________________________________________________________

3 logger's tapes 75’ or 100'

3 diameter tapes

3 clinometers

1 prism (10 Factor )

2. compasses, quadrant

1 planting bar or dibble

1 ** planting bag

3 cruiser vests

1 land measure compass

1 ruler protractor

1 magnifying glass

6. calculators

10 clipboards

** Planting bags are preferred but buckets may be used.

-----------------------

Pulpwood Minimum 6" dbh

Chip-N-Saw Minimum 9" dbh to 12" dbh maximum with at least 1½ clear logs (24 feet)

Sawtimber Minimum 13" dbh with at least 1½ clear logs (24 feet)

Any tree from which 1½ clear logs or 24 feet of clear logs cannot be cut from any portion of the tree will be classified as pulpwood.

“Clear” is defined as being free of deforming limbs, forks, major sweeps and cankers.

Insects

A. Ambrosia Beetle DD. Pitch Canker

B. Aphids EE. Slime Flux

C. Bagworm FF. Sooty Mold

D. Black Turpentine Beetle GG. Witches Broom

E. Conifer Sawflies Other Disorders

F. Cicada HH. Fire Damage

G. Eastern Tent Caterpillar II. Mechanical Damage

H. Fall Webworm JJ. Mistletoe

I. Gypsy Moth KK. Wildlife/Livestock Damage

J. Insect Gall Hazards of the Forest

K. Ips Engraver Beetle LL. Black Widow Spider

L. Locust Borer MM. Brown Recluse Spider

M. Nantucket Pine Tip Moth NN. Fire Ants

OO. Poison Ivy/Oak

O. Pales Weevil PP. Saddleback Caterpillar

P. Pine Webworm QQ. Scorpion

Q. Scales RR. Tick

R. Southern Pine Beetle SS. Wasps

S. Southern Pine Sawyer Invasive Species

Diseases TT. Autumn Olive

T. Annosus Root Disease UU. Chinaberry

U. Black Knot VV. Chinese Privet

V. Brown Spot Needle Blight WW. Chinese Tallow Tree

W. Cedar Apple Rust XX. Cogon Grass

X. Fusiform Rust YY. Japanese Climbing Fern

Y. Hypoxylon Canker ZZ. Kudzu

Z. Littleleaf Disease AAA. Mimosa

AA. Needle Casts BBB. Paulownia

BB. Nectria Canker CCC. Tree of Heaven

CC. Pine Needle Rust DDD. Wisteria

Scoring

10 Points Correct Product

Number of Correct Products ____ x 10 = ____

Total ____

[pic]

Judges Scoring Space

1. 20 points ________

Species

3. 50 points ________

BA

4. 30 points ________

Volume

________

Total

Points

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