Measuring the trees to see the forests
<p>Sagle Elementary School sixth grader Ali Schmitt measures the diameter of a tree in the woods at the timber cruising station Thursday at the Idaho State Forestry Contest near Careywood. (Photo by LEE HUGHES)</p>
SANDPOINT — Over 300 students from across North Idaho infiltrated the shady woods and sunny meadows near Careywood Thursday for the 33rd annual Idaho State Forestry Contest.
Divided into three groups, or divisions — novice, rookie, and junior-senior — the kids were on hand to either learn, or to competitively demonstrate basic forestry practices taught and judged by volunteer individuals and forestry professionals from state and federal agencies.
The contest is primarily a learning opportunity for younger participants. For the older students it is no less a competitive event than any other sport, but in addition to the thrill of victory, there are also some tangibles at stake for the winners.
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