National Forestry Champions Again

Auburn, AL, Aug. 3, 2004---Alabama’s 2004 4-H Forestry Judging Team has kept the state’s winning tradition intact by taking first place at the 25th annual National 4-H Forestry Invitational. This win marks the 14th national championship for Alabama 4-H Forestry teams, which is why forestry judging has become one of the most successful team-oriented events in the history of Alabama 4-H and its parent organization, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

This year’s invitational was held at Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Camp and Conference Center near Weston, W. Va. Alabama was one of 17 states competing.

Alabama’s team included Greg and Ben Gasser of Lineville and Tyler and Kacie Smith of Cragford.

The event, which is sponsored by the International Paper Company Foundation and Extension, has attracted more than 1,000 4-H’ers from more than 24 states since 1979. 4-H teams compete for overall team and individual awards in several categories. Events include a forestry written exam, tree identification, compass orienteering, topographic map reading, forest insect and disease identification, tree measurement, forest evaluation and the Forestry Bowl.

Alabama’s team, made up of 4-H’ers from Clay County, had the top team score of 1702.5. The second place team was from Clay County, Illinois, and received 1617.5 points. The Tennessee team placed third. Three Alabama team members received high individual scores. Ben Gasser received the top high individual award, with second place high individual going to his brother Greg Gasser. Tyler Smith placed sixth in high individual. The Alabama team also won the Forestry Knowledge Bowl, a rapid question and answer challenge that tests their skills in forestry and natural resources.

“Our team has practiced for years, rain or shine, for a chance at the national title and over the last few weeks, we couldn’t have asked them to do more in preparation,” said Marsha Moorehead, Extension coordinator for Clay County.

“When the contest day arrived, it rained and the team got wet, but they still did well. I am proud of them for their accomplishments.” “I’d also like to thank the coaches -– Jim and Marie Gasser, Earl Smith and Norphlett McCollum --- for their work and commitment. It would not have been possible without them.“

The national contest stresses the importance of conserving forestland and developing an appreciation for the significant role that forests play in providing products, benefits and services for quality living. The contest also focuses on real-life challenges facing resource professionals attempting to care for the nation’s forests.

“I was a little nervous going in but I knew we had worked hard to prepare,” said team member Kacie Smith. “Everything turned out great and it was a trip I will never forget. I knew it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

The Alabama Forest Owners Association and the Auburn University School of Forestry sponsored Alabama’s state event.

The International Paper Company Foundation was created in 1953 as a philanthropic grant-making organization. It addresses educational and civic needs within the business communities of International Paper. The Foundation also supports organizations where employees actively volunteer.

International Paper businesses include paper, packaging and forest products. As one of the largest private forestland owners in the world, International Paper foresters and ecologists manage the woods with great care in compliance with the rigorous standards of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative program. This independent certification system ensures the perpetual planting, growing and harvesting of trees while protecting wildlife, plants, soil, air and water quality. Through conservation easements and land transactions to environmental groups, International Paper protects more than 500,000 acres of unique and environmentally important habitat on forestlands in the United States.

Posted by Jim Langcuster at August 4, 2004 11:12 AM