Hello Students! Here are a few notes about technology for the 2023 Shasta Forestry Challenge.

  • Each team should bring one laptop to use for presentation prep.  Windows PCs are preferred.  More than one laptop per team is allowed but not necessary.
  • Your laptop must have:
    • At least 1 USB-A port
    • 1 HDMI port
    • Powerpoint software – No Internet-dependent programs (Prezi, Google Slides, etc.)
  • IF YOU BRING A MAC, you must be able to convert files so they are .PPTX OR have an HDMI adapter to connect to a projector.
  • If you need a laptop, there are a few available for loan, but please let us know in advance if you want to check one out. (Please do not rely on our laptops, they are passible, but your own will be better)
  • You will receive a flash drive with focus topic related materials to use in your presentation.  You can also bring any background information about the focus topic that you think will help you in your presentation.
  • Mountain Meadows Camp has limited Wi-Fi with heavily restricted access and little to no cell service.  We will try to make a few computers available for you to do limited online research.
  • A camera that can hard-wire transfer photos to your laptop is highly recommended.

If you have any questions about technology at the Shasta Forestry Challenge, please email Diane.  Thanks!

 

 

Download or print the Forestry Challenge Instruction Manual & Study Guide to use in conjunction with the following learning objectives

Shasta Forestry Challenge Learning Objectives

Ecology, Botany, and Plant Identification

  1. Understand the fundamental life processes of plants including photosynthesis and transpiration.
  2. Know the basic parts of a tree and their functions.
  3. Understand basic ecological concepts including food webs, succession, competition, adaptation, and symbiosis.
  4. Understand concepts associated with forests, including stand composition, stand density, and crown classification.
  5. Be familiar with the four most common forest plant communities in California, and know their approximate ranges.
  6. Identify with common names the following tree species without a key, and know their approximate ranges in California:
  7. Identify specific species of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants through the use of a dichotomous identification key.  Be familiar with basic terminology related to leaf morphology.

Timber Cruising and Forest Products

  1. Know how to prepare for conducting forestry fieldwork, including clothing, safety gear, and environmental hazards.
  2. Be familiar with Plot Hound, a forestry inventory app that we will be using for data collection.
  3. Know how to pace a chain.
  4. Know how to use the following forestry tools: Biltmore Stick (diameter and height), clinometer, compass, diameter tape, densitometer, and angle gauge [angle gauge 2]. For information on purchasing your own set of tools, see our recommended tools list. All of these tools can be purchased from Forestry Suppliers, Inc.
  5. Interpret volume tables using raw data.
  6. Determine forest species composition using a 1/10 acre square or circular plot.
  7. Interpret maps, including but not limited to township/range/section, ownership, distances/scale, directional headings, and topography.
  8. Understand how forests are managed to produce timber, and what products are derived from timber.

2023 Featured Curriculum: The Role of Congress in Forest Management

  1. Be familiar with the House Committee on Natural Resources.
  2. Watch Forestry Challenge’s interview with Committee Chair Bruce Westerman, the only forester in Congress.
  3. Be familiar with the Western Caucus Foundation.
  4. Watch Forestry Challenge’s interview with Caucus Honorary Co-Chair (Senator) Cynthia Lummis from Wyoming. (Coming on October 5.)
  5. Be familiar with H.R. 188, the Proven Forest Management Act of 2022, sponsored by Congressman Tom McClintock.
  6. Understand Congressman McClintock’s reasons for introducing H.R. 188.

2023 Focus Topic: A New State Demonstration Forest in the Shasta County

  1. Understand the purpose and locations of California’s Demonstration State Forests.
  2. Be familiar with the location of the newly acquired Noble Demonstration State Forest near Shingletown, California.
  3. Understand what a forest inventory is and why it is important. (Access module 4, Item 1a.)

Additional General Resources